Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A little closer .





At last the day of the great unveiling . By six o'clock the square in front of the church was filling with parked cars as the great and the good arrived for the inauguration of the pottery kiln. On the dot of six thirty the mayor, a rather smart lady with auburn hair, and a man in jeans and a blue suit jacket emerged from the town hall. A few words of greeting from the balcony and the assembled crowd was led across the green, down the lane and past the frogs sunbathing in the village pond to the site of the ceremony. The original plan had been to fire up the kiln but at the last moment someone had decided to enclose it in a wood and tile canopy as protection from the elements. This was fine as ideas go but rather impractical if you want the smoke from the furnace to blow away and prevent anyone close by from being asphxyiated. So, in finest French tradition speeches invoking 'patrimonie' were made, a ribbon cut, and the multitude sauntered back to the village hall for a glass of Madame Bays industrial strength armagnac punch. The firing will be rescheduled for two weeks time after a quick redesign and a hole has been cut in the canopy roof.

Digby had a great day yesterday. He was bright and taking notice of what was happening around him. From his bed at the front door he even managed to growl at the post lady - a really positive sign that had us, and the post lady, laughing out loud . The night was not so good. This foul disease works away tirelessly. Again this morning we've been reminded that we can't change the destination. All we can do is make sure that the journey is as comfortable and dignified as possible.

47 comments:

  1. I think the journey is comfortable and with each unexpected day closer to the destination you are given extra time to say good byes. More strokes, scratches and cuddles.

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  2. i hope it is peaceful at the end for you all
    funny how the plight of a much loved dog can illicit so much positivity...

    the power of the dog!
    Kiplings poem is very right in the situation...I have enclosed a cope of it, I hope you get some comfort from it


    There is sorrow enough in the natural way
    From men and women to fill our day;
    And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
    Why do we always arrange for more?
    Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
    Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

    Buy a pup and your money will buy
    Love unflinching that cannot lie--
    Perfect passion and worship fed
    By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
    Nevertheless it is hardly fair
    To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

    When the fourteen years which Nature permits
    Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
    And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
    To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
    Then you will find--it's your own affair--
    But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

    When the body that lived at your single will,
    With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
    When the spirit that answered your every mood
    Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
    You will discover how much you care,
    And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

    We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
    When it comes to burying Christian clay.
    Our loves are not given, but only lent,
    At compound interest of cent per cent.
    Though it is not always the case, I believe,
    That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
    For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
    A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
    So why in Heaven (before we are there)
    Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

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  3. I had to laugh at Digby growling at the postlady. Sounds as though he certainly does not plan to go quietly into that good night. Well done I say again, Digby and all your family there with you.
    It is never the destination as much as it is the journey and how it is made, don't you think?
    God Bless all of y'all.
    Jamie and the Texas sundogs

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  4. You go Digby, keeping watch till the end! What a great dog he is...

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  5. Hooray for Digby growling at the Post Lady! It's good he's still getting joy out of life.

    At least Madame Bay's powerful concoction probably made the crowds forget about the kiln's covering.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  6. I'm glad the ceremony went uneventfully Angus! It may have been a good idea to keep Madame Bays armagnac punch away from anything "flamable!"

    I'm glad that Digby had a good day yesterday! It again is a testiment to his spirit! I know the road you are on is filled with highs and lows, but I know you are all savoring the "highs" of the journey and do not want it to end. Know that I think of you all during the day and am sending heartfelt prayers for strength, and continued peace.

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  7. Digby is making good use as such time he has left. Getting something out of almost every day, it seems. That's because of you and font making it possible for him. Here's hoping that tonight and tomorrow are pretty good, too.

    wags, Lola

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  8. my heart aches for you, i understand the decisions you've made.....for Digby to go with dignity....(i love the pic of you surrounding him....)oh Dig, i have never met you in person, but know that you are loved from wisconsin.....
    xoxo

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  9. That almost looks like Monet's water lily pond

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  10. I love the reality and humor that you see in life. They go hand in hand, you know.

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  11. so how did madame bays' punch taste? haha.
    way to growl at the post lady, digby. you've still got that spark in you. :)

    *hugs*
    the booker man's mama

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  12. Digby's a feisty boy. He still wants to protect you. I hope he has more good days like this.

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  13. Digby, to know the love you have is making this easier for a "dog farm" in Missouri. I am awake at the crack of dawn to check your progress forever wishing it were different. Know that we love you. And to Digby's amazing kind and gentle parents, hugs from us in a big way. Wilf, Monte had it rough for a little while after suddenly losing his brother but the love from your great people will pull you through.

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  14. He's truly a special one - a real "HEART" dog..

    Holding you guys tight in our prayers and thoughts.

    XxoooXXoooXXxo

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  15. I am almost disappointed that the opening of the kiln went so smoothly! I was hoping for a great tale of some debacle. It does sound like a nice day!

    Of course Digby would growl at the post lady! It would be beneath him not to. I'm glad to hear that things are peaceful for him!

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  16. Ah yes, we've all given "our hearts to a dog to tear!!"

    Those few moments of joy -- a tummy tickle, a growl at the post lady, a quick look to see what's going on on his turf -- these are the parts of Digby's journey that will stay with you long after the sleepless nights. and make you smile again.

    Love to you all,

    xxx Joan and Jake and Just Harry

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  17. Good boy, Digby! Those postal ladies are never up to any good.

    You continue to be in our hearts.

    Amber (Mayzie's Mom)

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  18. Dearest Digby, You are a very special pup, uniting so many in their caring for you and your family. We send you love, love and more love.

    Cheyanne

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  19. Hey there Angus!
    You write so beautifully amidst the turmoil and angst...how do you do it?!
    I just loved the poem "The power of the Dog" in one of the above comments.
    You see...folk are REALLY with you in all this. I too am thinking of you at this time.Sending lotsaluv to the dear boy...Never discount a dog's desire for life!
    With love
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  20. When my days are drawing to a close, I pray I am fortunate enough to spend them in the sunshine of Springtime in Southern France, surrounded by loved ones present and far flung...and with an occasional growl on my lips!

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  21. Each day, Digby shows us what a fighter he is, and that he plans to make the best of what the day brings. We are sending our love to the little guy, hoping that he can have another day spritzed with happiness. I wish that someone could change the "destination" for you... but alas we humans don't always have that power.

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  22. You can't see us and you can't hear us but I hope you can feel us - we are right there - right next to you each and every time to comfort sweet Digby and touch his precious body.

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  23. Thank you John Gray for sharing that beautiful Kipling poem that has ripped my heart out of my chest. So true... thank you.

    We send a virtual hug to Digby and all of you xoxoxo

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  24. we have been following your blog from nebraska and our hearts are with you all.

    edgar and katie

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  25. Rest, my friend....you are in our thoughts and prayers....

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  26. You write wonderfully of the kiln re-opening ceremony, ribbon cutting and all, including the procession to share in Madame Bays' (whew!) powerful punch. Sad to hear Digby had a bad night - poor boy - and sooo hard for you all. Amazing that he growled at the mail carrier and had a fairly good day, but those nights must seem endless for him... for you. Glad he is not in pain and we are thinking of you so much.
    We send tons of golden vibes and prayers to you all.
    With Hugs and Love xoxoxo
    Sammie

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  27. Continuing to send comforting thoughts to all...
    Long, gentle hugs to Digby,
    Kit

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  28. Deawest Digby,
    I'm so happy when read that you are still taking notice of youw sorroundings(even if it's just a growl at the post lady).
    I feel like I'm there in your little village from Angus' wonderful tales of daily life. I'm there giving you a love pat , a scritchie, a tender smile as i pass by. Every moment is a little victory even though I know this horrid disease is stealing your precious life. Seeing you comfortably , so surrounded by love is what we all wish at the end.

    Asta sends her smoochie kisses
    love from us
    Asta and Mommi

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  29. There are three kinds of people in the world, those that don't care much for dogs, those that tolerate them or think they're ok and those that LOVE them...
    Digby has been blessed by a family that loves him and when he travels from this Earth to wherever it is doggies go(dog heaven of course) he and you will know that his time with his family was the best time in the world...
    Susan x

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  30. Though we didn't come by everyday, Aunty Diana just get teary eyes each time, but you are always in our thoughts, Digby.

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  31. Ina had prepared us fur the PAW-erful post with the Kipling poem -

    WOW!

    We hope the day is bringing woo khool breezes with lots of scents to keep in your heart fur the travels ahead fur all of us -

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  32. Dear Digby,
    You continue to be in our thoughts & prayers. Soft hugs to you & your family.
    Fay & Family in CA

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  33. You are blessed with each new day you have with Digby and we can tell you are making the most of them. Purrs and tail wags.

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  34. The Bougalou BearMay 5, 2010 at 8:27 PM

    "Then you will find -it's your own affair-
    But... you've given your heart to a dog to tear."

    What, in the end, makes us human but the tears we willingly shed?

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  35. Dear Digby,
    Everyday when we log in the first thing we do is check ur post. and we heave a sigh of relief to see that u are still there,foever strong in spirit even if not in health.
    I,Buddy, got injured yesterday. fighting with a stray to save Ginger.Mummy was very upset and worried and all the while when i was having my wounds dressed and stitched,she kept thinking of you,she said.about how much u have gone through and how much ur family is going through now.
    we all still hope thqat u will return to us, fit and fine.
    The poem in one of ur comments says it all.
    We love you.And each day send prayers your way across the miles.

    wags n licks,
    Buddy, Ginger n Family

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  36. Bless you for taking such good care of Digby. My heart goes out to you.

    Sending hugs and prayers from NJ

    Shady & Mom

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  37. In regards to the kiln opening, I would like to prattle on about all the humour to be found in a small village of well-meaning people, but I'm just so torn up over Digby that I haven't the heart.

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  38. Go Digby! You can do it. You show that nasty little tick and what it left behind who's boss!!!

    Lots of pets and wags!

    Mr. Nubbin' and Family!

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  39. such a cruel journey you are having to endure, we quietly still have hope that love will conquer all - loves and licks xxx

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  40. I so glad you have this time with Digby. It is wonderful to see how your love for Digby has spread to so many and back again to him. Peace and love to your family and Digby.

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  41. When my previous dog became ill she looked up at me one evening and from the look in her eyes I could see that she was telling me that whatever I decide for her, she was OK with that. She trusted me implicitly.

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  42. You stay in our thoughts and our prayers. We felt even closer as we read Angus' account of the village unveiling. It made the world seem just a little bit smaller, and made us hope you were even more able to feel the loving support that surrounds you.

    Take care, sweet family.
    Jake and Fergi and OurFamily

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  43. Digby, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. ♥

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  44. We continue to think of you everyday on this journey.

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  45. This is our first visit as we learnt of you through our friend Asta. We do not know what to say to ease your pain but will offer prayers and healing thoughts to your family.

    We are thinking and praying for you Digby, all the way from Malaysia

    Xtra chikisses for you
    Coco & Tiffy and mumster lilian

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  46. Digby we are very proud of you today...and we love your spirit, determination, and plain ol' spunk...hang tight dear one!

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  47. LOL!! Well done Digby, for hanging in there and for growling at the post lady (well a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do!!)...

    Thinking of you with much love and good vibes!!

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