Tuesday, May 8, 2012

And when we arrive at the end of our journey ?





To the vets. The cancer returning. Wilfs given an injection. This morning I'd expected to find him asleep but somehow the old fellows summoned up the strength to stand by the front door. That comical ' come on , let's get going ' impatience. 

Back bowed, legs stiff, head down, he moves off towards the church. A walk done a thousand times before. A familiar , comforting, routine. Village green, war memorial, pond.  The fire hydrant christened with a half stumbling cock of the leg. A look of male determination etched on his face. I chuckle and give encouragement. The precision of a champion.He shuffles playfully through the leaves. The slow, crinkly, sound of mischief .

We pause by the stream. Water rippling over pebbles, a distant cuckoo, chattering finches, sunlight. Frogs. Lots and lots of noisy frogs. There's no need to hurry today. A fact unspoken but understood. Some days are special. Today is special . He lies in the long grass holding his head high , slowly sniffing the air, as if to fix this moment firmly, forever,  in place .

' The font ', back from the airport, joins us. Wilf dissolves into a fluffy ball of stump wagging joy. He ambles happily back home. By the pond he stumbles. I pick him up and carry this old friend towards the gate. It won't be long now. A gentle, oh so gentle, gathering in of the light . There again Wilf has never been one to be hurried .

58 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear the end is near. I hope Wilf won't be in pain, and I know he will be surrounded by love.

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  2. We are walking right along side of you, Wilfee, all your friends from far away. We'll stay right with you too.

    Love and hugs,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  3. He certainly won't be hurried. Good for you, Wilf.

    x (for Wilf!)

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  4. Dear Wilf, we echo our friends Jo, Stella and Zkhat. We'll be with you, from afar, all the way.
    Hugs from Gail and Bertie.

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  5. no words..just love and hugs....dear boy..xx

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  6. I'm so sad. My own wishes aside, I continue to wish for the very best possible outcome for beautiful Wilfie Pon, even if that outcome is a dignified and peaceful transition to the next adventure.

    I'm off to the Aveyron on Thursday. No internet access, but he will be in my heart at every moment and I will be sending distance healing every day.

    I would have loved to have kissed that nose just once.

    Teena & Merlin Pon xxxx

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  7. Could you lie a bit? I've only known Wilf 6 months or so, but I'm not ready to lose him

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  8. We are with you.. be strong and no hurry Wilfee. No hurry.

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  9. i have known all along it would be like this. i am losing not only my wilfee but my zekey pon all over again. each day has been like playing a record one loves. you know where all the scratches are. but you must keep playing it because you love it so.
    give him a special hug. and tell him it's from me. he'll know.
    tammy j

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  10. These final days are so precious, every one to be especially savoured.

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  11. Dear Wilf,

    From puppyhood to now and until the end of this journey you have been so loved, and you are also loved from afar by all those who follow your blog.

    We're sending you gentle pats, soft woofs and love. Our thoughts are also with your family. So many memories and moments - but, as always, all alwyas at your own pace.

    Love
    Riley (and Fran)

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  12. So sorry to hear that the cancer is back. I started reading you when he was first diagnosed and have anxiously checked in each day to see how he is. When I first started reading, I read with relief that I still had years with all my dogs. During this time Wilf has had...one of mine died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. He was only 8 and it was shocking and just about killed me. Around the time that Wilf was diagnosed my best friend had her cancer come back. I told her about Wilf's journey and how he was still going....it gave her hope. But she died last December. Wilf outliving two I loved so much and never dreamt I'd lose this past year.

    You and Wilf have been so lucky to have this wonderful time together. I know you know it's a gift. A beautiful gift. I always say...there is only one thing better than a puppy and that's a dog and the only thing better than a dog is an old dog. You just love them more and more and more.

    My thoughts are with you.

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  13. No words...Just tears this morning as I feel that 'ache' in my heart, not for one of my own dogs, but for one that I feel like, is. You are all in my prayers for continued strength.

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  14. He certainly hasn't ever been one to be hurried! I expect he will always do things in his own time. I'm very sorry to hear that you feel the journey is coming to an end for him. I feel like Wilf is an old, dear friend!

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  15. I hope you're wrong, but I'm sure you're probably right. We will be sad to lose Wilf but our lives are enriched by having known him.

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  16. Still holding all of you close to my heart....

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle, Maggie Mae and Max

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  17. Dear Wilf-family - we are crying a little still hoping he has this special turbo to keep on going...
    wilfie we love you - more coconut icecream and Lady Font gourmet food and love - that is your secret weapon! You are a miracle dog ---love from Southern Italy from SUsanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiri

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  18. Wilf has had a rich full life- still does. A dutifull shepherd, a loving family fellow and a wonderful friend bringing his special joy to loyal followers the world over. We are with him in spirit, savouring each precious moment in his extraordinary company. And when this leg of his journey draws to a close, our love will be with him as he embarks upon the next.
    Please give him our special love, Angus. And if you would, please, a kiss from us.

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  19. Hugs and blessings to you all. Know that we are all with you and Wilf in comforting spirit...the love of a dog is enduring.

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  20. So much love to Wilfee! Love , hugs and cuddles. Wish I could give him a kiss in person but I am sending it in spirit.

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  21. A scoop of bacon and egg ice cream from me

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  22. I now hold my breath every time I open your blog it seems...not a happy feeling...but in my heart I want to come and see that Wilf is still here...still doing what he does best...Keeping on...one day at a time.. We all know that every day is a gift. No one knows the hour or day of their last steps or breaths...and so what does this Old Pon teach me? to take each day for what it is worth..one more day to enjoy the moment, to take the next step with endurance, and to know my purpose. Wilf's purpose was to give you joy...and he's done it well, yes?
    When we love an animal, they are not the blessed..we are. a grateful hug to Wilf. A prayer for you when he lets go to rest....

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  23. A fluffy ball of stump-wagging joy. Ah, how we all love Wilf so. May this transition be peaceful, as it was for our Skye two weeks ago. So much love from all of us for Wilf, and for you. xxx

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  24. In tears by the end of your post, for people and a dog I've never met, an ocean away, yet who I've come to think of as dear friends.

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  25. Hearts are breaking in our corner. We knew this time would arrive.......sending peace and lovely gentle light. Wilf is in the best hands. Welcome back Font.

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  26. No adequate today, just lots of love sent your way as I remember such a day with my Cody, the Best Dog Ever, except for Wilf, of course. Thinking of you.

    Purple Magpie

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  27. Love from South Carolina...

    The Heartbeats

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  28. This post makes my heart so heavy, tears are springing up as I type. As long as it takes Wilf, just keep on going.

    With love from your Canadian pals,
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

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  29. wilf, angus and the font - we are sending you love and light from nebraska...

    edgar & his mum

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  30. We are all there with you, you are not alone on this journey. Our old dog wanted out in the middle of the night, just to sniff the night air. Who knows how much longer our beloved companions will be with us, but (thanks to you and Wilf) I now treasure more than ever what time I have with them.

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  31. From the mom - it is quite clear - sweet Wilfee is going to do his life on his terms, as much as he can. Go for it sweet Wilf!
    Kim

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  32. Tears and heavy hearts here.
    And oh, so much gratitude for lives well-lived.
    Love,
    Pamela

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  33. Wilfie, your journey has been amazing. Your strength a great example to us all to enjoy every day to the fullest.

    On the day you decide you've had enough, and that your life here on Earth has run its course, a huge family within the interwebs will be softly sobbing their goodbyes. We are not ready for that yet, but will understand when you have to go.

    Until then, we are showering you with love from all corners of the earth.

    wags, wiggles & slobbers
    Murphydog

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  34. From reading this piece this morning, throughout my days work my mind keeps drifting back to our dearest sweet Wilfie - such is the attraction of such an adorable wee polar bear.
    I only found you all six months ago when I lost my darling Beardie after fifteen fun-filled and joyous years. All those dreadful feelings are back again. Words are not enough...sending you all much love, light and warmest wishes. XXX

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  35. One wee polar bear of a dog - so very much loved by so many. We know him only through your words, yet feel he is ours too. We send our most gentle and heartfelt thoughts from across the ocean today.

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  36. All the Piappies and I send you our love. I may not be updating the Piappies blog often but I try as much to read you posts. We stay with you those we are miles apart.

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie and Piappies Mom

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  37. So much endless love for Wilf; sending loving thoughts for him and may gentle peace prevail...Love for you dearest one..DBH

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  38. This post breaks my heart and tears are in my eyes. Wilf has been such a huge inspiration to us, on how to live with grace and dignity despite all he has been through. He never gives up and always seems to have a smile on his face and an aura of happiness and joy about him. And the words of wisdom in each and every post are always a pleasure to read.

    As so many have already expressed, you are in our hearts and thoughts and prayers, Wilf. We share in your journey and send you much love and thoughts of peace.

    Suka and KrisAnne

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  39. The very best of wishes to you all, so sad.

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  40. Dearest Wilf, you *are* and have been a wonderful inspiration, a sweet joy to visit daily...and a brilliant miracle that has filled many hearts with a wonderful sense of what is brave, pure, and good in this world.
    May the next steps you take on this journey be peaceful...and always remember how much love surrounds you and your precious family, who have so graciously shared you with us...you all are so loved, and many comforting arms, thoughts, hearts, and prayers are sincerely and truly with you.
    Much love,
    Jessica & Miss. Ginger

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  41. No words, just sending love and gratitude for being able to share in the life of this magnificent dog.

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  42. Tears, love and many very good dog thoughts of great smells, croissants, coconut ice cream, the first blog read each day of an indomitable wee polar bear of a dog beloved around the world but most of all within his pack.
    Silverwalk Hounds salutes you, Wilf. No hurry, no hurry indeed.

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  43. Thinking of you.

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  44. It is 10h15 here in Brittany, and i can't stop thinking to you my beloved Wilfee. I just hope you will have a peaceful night. My heart and my mind are with you, sweet boy. All my thoughts for you, Angus and Lady Font.

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  45. And the Brothers shall once again be together, Wilf and Digby...Sending love and prayers, Susan & Emma Catherine (15 year old Golden Retriever from Texas)

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  46. One vet from the bottom of the world crying alone in her office for a small bundle way up there. I must stop reading your blog at work so that I can sob properly at home.
    SO many lovely comments already - I can;t match them, but many round the world are here with you at this time.
    x

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  47. We had to come back to send more love as you've been in our hearts and minds all day.

    Joan

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  48. Much love, comfort & respect from les Gang at 29 Black Street - what an amazing time you two have had - Angus you are a super dog dad. Big woofs & sweet kisses to Wilf from Missy & Samuel, love from me Susan

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  49. Keeping you and your family in my prayers, sweet boy. You are loved by many.Thank-you for being there for me last summer,as I saw my husband go through what you are now facing. Angus, sharing your lives on the other side of the world was the one bright light in my day. I truly can't thank-you enough. Soft scritches from N.CA.
    Fay and her girls

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  50. It is a journey so filled with gentle love. It's all happened at Wilf's own pace. We are with you in spirit.

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  51. I feel so emotional. I really do love Wilf, and I love you for loving him so well.

    Louise (English, living in Az . . .have been reading for quite a while now)

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  52. Dear Wilf,
    We have followed you for a while now but have not had the words to leave in a post. Still can't find the right words,

    Maybe if we just say "THank You" you will know what is in our hearts.

    Thank you, thank you

    with love and tears
    Bert and My Vickie

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  53. I am so grateful you have shared your life with Wilf here. Sending love.

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  54. Ahhhhh, you're breaking my heart. I'm going to miss him. What a good boy.

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  55. Little bear - thinking of you and your family. Still hoping to have good news tomorrow. I have never met you but I start my day with you - bacetti sul nasino piccolo orsachiotto bianco - sei nei nostri cuori - susanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiri

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