Saturday, November 27, 2010

Our Dodger Dog

It was August of 1997. Two newlyweds were headed to Durham, CA to "look" at some Chocolate lab puppies. Immediately upon seeing the pups we knew we weren't just looking. We named her Dodger after the LA Dodgers that Garrett so loved and was missing by living in Northern California. She was my first dog ever. We brought her home, carrying her on my lap as we drove, first to the pet store, and then to our house. That first night was rough because we were going to be tough and not let our dog sleep with us, so we put her in the bathroom where she cried. Then we put her outside where she cried more. Eventually she ended up in our room....

Dodger has been through everything with us. She loved playing in the creek in Chico, where she would drink so much water her stomach would be bloated. She became my running companion. She moved with us to Ventura, where she loved chasing seagulls on the beach. She would dig and bark in the sand and even found fish and dead seals to roll on, bringing home a lovely stench. She moved with us again to Bakersfield, where she ran around our big back yard and played in the water with Kevin. Finally she moved to Santa Clarita, where she began to show signs of aging with graying fur and a slight limp. She continued to accompany me on long runs though and became a hiking partner.

Today we had to say good-bye to our Dodger Dog. She had been steadily loosing weight and slowing down more and more. With the results from her blood tests telling us the her kidneys were failing, we knew it was time. I never thought it would be so hard saying good-bye to a dog, but it was very difficult.

We've spent today thinking of memories, Garrett sharing most of them with me and the boys. We found these pictures that show how our puppy grew up over the years.....








WE LOVE YOU DODGER AND WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS!

11 comments:

Jason, as himself said...

Awwww. Tasha, I'm sorry. I know how this feels. This is a very nice tribute to your loyal friend.

Let Freedom Ring said...

Oh my gosh.................every time I read this tribute to Dodger I cry. I so remember when you two first got Dodger...........what a joy. And then all the wonderful places that Dodger experienced with you two when you moved from place to place. And then of course introducing Dodger to Kevin and Zach. It's so hard to say goodbye to such a faithful companion. I am happy that Dodger was able to have playful but some times a menacing friend in Raven in this past year. I am sure Raven is missing Dodger too. Our love, prayer's and sympathy go out to you all. Love you, Susan, Dennis & Namoe

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, to the Riley Family....nothing like the love of an animal :)

Patty said...

That is me in the anonymous note above, did not put that in right....:) Patty Barrett-Mugge :)

Rochelle said...

Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do. I'm so sorry for you and your family..it will be tough for awhile. Love you

Paula said...

She will live forever in the memories of Garrett and you, Tasha, because she was part of very sweet times in your life...being newlyweds, all your moves and the births of your sons! I know you will never forget Dodger and all the special times you had with her. She gave alot of love and fun times to your family.
As I said on Garrett's blog, I can still see her on the beach leaping with joy for that frisbee.
My heart goes out to you for the loss of this special dog.
Love, Paula

Sandy said...

Dear Tasha,
Dodger was a wonderful companion and loved member of your family for so long. We couldn't help but cry when we read this beautiful tribute. You have captured the essence of Dodger beautifully.
Love, Sandy and Joe

Anonymous said...

Mom says:
Even I cried when I read your blog,and even though I know that not everything was easy with Dodger (like when she chewed up the leg of the ladder in Chico while Dad was up on the roof putting on a few shingles!), she was a good companion for you, Tasha. I'll miss brushing out her winter coat.

My heart feels sad for you as you deal with this loss.
Now Raven will rule!

Grandma Dee said...

Oh, Labs, the greatest furry companions. Dodger was a cutie. She was big, she was brown and she was the cutest little puppy ever. I remember when Kevin used to call her "Dodgie" and that it was the first word he said. What great memories up in Ventura watching her ears wave in the ocean breeze as she ran like the wind along the beach. She loved frisbees, balls and running with you, Tasha. Such a long life she shared with your family. It's the only really bad thing about having a dog -- having to say goodbye. I cry when I read this blog because she is the special first little "girl" in your family. How wonderful that Kevin and Zach got to grow up with her. Raven came along to make this transition easier for you all. Hugs to her alot. And, hugs to your family, Tasha. Love, Grandma Dee

Pauly said...

Wow, great tribute to a great member of your family. We are so sorry for your loss. A dog's life is just as significant as any other, and losing a friend is never easy.

Save your Fork said...

Aww Tash, I am so sorry to hear about Dodger.