Sunday, November 21, 2010

A change.




The early morning sky a startling mass of pinks, reds and russetts. Natures palet at its most vivid. The 'red sky in the morning' a sign of another storm working its way towards us across the snow clogged mountain passes from Spain. Outside the village church Wilf stopped,stock still, on his walk. There ahead of us a sight neither 'the font' nor I had ever seen before. A vertical rainbow. Somehow a columnar cloud rising two or three thousand feet in the air had managed to catch the dawn light and reflect it back with all the clear perfection of a prism. The old farmer saw us standing there and wandered over with Jerome the black labrador to look at the spectacle. Two minutes later, as the sun rose higher, it was gone.

Sunday morning, a good time to reflect on the week and take stock. Wilf soldiers on. He's not in any pain. His appetite remains robust - the effects of the vole or shrew long forgotten. Yet, in some imperceptible way the pace of life has gently but markedly slowed . Our walks are much shorter now . Much shorter . His goal the churchyard or the last street light at the edge of the village. Leisurely progress punctuated by lengthy pauses for just sniffing the air and staring distractedly along the lane. He's sleeping more. The spot on the kitchen floor by the oven his favoured haunt. Cake baking time his absolute nose twitching joy. Last night he didn't want to play - a first for this active fun loving boy. Instead he came over , lay on his side and held out his paw for me to hold. We've reached the stage on his journey where the greatest comfort is found in the simple reassurance of touch. Paw holding trust.

32 comments:

  1. Just keep touching him.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  2. So, take your time sweet boy and enjoy day after day. I send you all the bisous and cuddles you need.

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  3. Just be, love and accept. There are so many people praying and sending good thoughts your way - I'm sure your little guy must feel it. We certainly hope that you are!

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  4. Carpe Diem. Whether it is a short stroll or just a little paw holding time, each day is precious.

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  5. These moments are so precious.
    Gail.

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  6. What a loving fellow your Wilf is...
    Warmth, love and comfort and so much love from his human family... Love Susannae
    Wilf I hold you in my heart

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  7. Angus, enjoy this sweet time with Wilf and let him know he is loved - that is the best gift we can give our beloved companions.

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  8. Cherish this time....

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  9. woofs, whether its a run through the country or just a short walk..wilf knows he is safe and loved in your "paws"..

    b safe,
    rocky

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  10. Soft woos from all of us for Wilf. We are holding his paw virtually across the miles.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  11. Enjoy those walks, and may you see many more rainbows together.

    Sam

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  12. The love between you and Wilf shines through in the small gestures like paw-holding and short easy walks side-by-side. What a wonderful dog Wilf is. My heart is with you.

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  13. Wilf: What a sight to see, the vertical rainbow. We took are holding your paw from many miles.

    Zach

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  14. woo's to wilf. I can't add anything more to perfection.

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  15. I felt my heart miss a beat when I read the title of your post. And then when I saw the photos of Wilf, the message sunk in.

    You said once before that Wilf touches you with his paw when he wants reassurance. It's such a touching gesture -- one that has to resonate with all of us.

    Soldier on, dear Wilf. Even the bravest soldier needs reassurance from his stalwart family!

    xxx Joan

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  16. Ahhh, our paws are crossed for you Wilf. We are happee you are pain free
    Benny & Lily

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  17. bittersweet. Wilf is happy & content. that's most important.

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  18. Like Joan, my heart too skipped a beat while reading the post title.

    A little paw holding time over rug surfing? Priceless times...

    Hugs to you sweet Wilf.

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  19. Sweet Wilf
    It's not the same as it was, but you still know how to take joy in the ways that comfowt you and you'we not in pain..that makes me happy
    Youw choices of wawm stove wif gweat smells and a comfowting touch show you know what's impawtant
    I love you
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  20. again tears well in our eyes its the simple gestures that really get to us, uncomplicated, unconditional true love - xxx

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  21. Dear WIlf.
    He can teach us all so very much.

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  22. My thoughts are with you and Wilf. I love the posts about how much he is still enjoying everything. I hate to read that he is slowing down. I wish I could reach out and pat him. What a lovely boy.

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  23. Yes. Keep holding and touching his paw. Each of life's moments are truly precious - thanks for showing us, Wilf. The rainbow you saw sounds perfectly amazing.

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  24. That rainbow sounds as unique and special as Wilf. I think he is storing up as many special moments with you as you are with him!

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  25. Sometimes it amazes me that I'm so emotionally connected to a dog half way around the world that I've not met. But then I think about my Holly (Pomeranian) and my Emma (Border Collie) and the great love I have for them. And I know we're all connected by that wonderful bond we share with our beloved animal companions. Sending prayers.

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  26. We're thinking of you.
    ~Maggie, Milly, and Shelby

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  27. A hand holding a paw...simple, kind, compassionate love

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  28. We know Angus sees the paw holding as giving you reassurance, Wilf. We understand that you also do it to give reassurance to him.

    Jed & Abby

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  29. Angus, from near and afar, we are with you..

    Stormy.

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  30. Each day I hold my breath as I don't know what I'll encounter when I stop by for a visit. And each day I feel a great sense of relief to know that Wilf is still with us.

    I know that the end is near and I'm just not ready to let go.

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  31. I too am amazed at how a dog,who lives half a world away has touched my heart. I have told everyone I know about Wilf's brave journey and they are now sending positive thoughts for Wilf and for your family.

    May Wilf have many more rainbows!

    Susan
    Boston, MA USA

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