Farewell to Abbye
Abbye took her last breath today, bringing to an end a life that was harder than she deserved.
After battling through almost three years of diabetes (two daily insulin shots) and Cushing's Disease (regular doses of a powerful anti-cancer medication), her little heart finally gave out.
I wish I could say that she was the happiest dog I've ever known, but it's a huge irony that she brought so many smiles to so many faces and yet I sensed that she rarely smiled herself. I suspect her early days, before we found her, were so traumatic that she never truly recovered, never really came to trust anyone. She never learned to play; she was afraid of toys (and blowing leaves, and raindrops, and so on); she remained suspicious of motives and often indifferent to human interaction. In many ways, she was more like a cat than a dog.
But she was also gentle, well-mannered, a quick learner, and occasionally as impressively stubborn as a mule. She consented to be fawned over and cared for, but she refused to let us believe that we owned her.
I mentioned the smiles she brought to others. I've never had nor seen a dog that elicited such joyful reactions from strangers, especially during her sighted, more active days when she'd walk at my heel through the neighborhood, and cars would slow to a crawl as they passed us, the drivers with big grins pointing her out to their kids in the back seats. I lost count of the number of times absolute strangers would stop their cars in the middle of the street, roll down their windows, and ask questions about her. After we moved to the new neighborhood, several people told me how much they missed seeing her on those morning walks, even if they'd never met her.
Abbye Fabulous (or Ab Fab, for short) was almost fourteen years old (we think), and we're drawing comfort from the fact that she's no longer suffering from the illnesses – physical and otherwise – that plagued her for much of her life. The little dog will be missed.
I am very sorry Eric.
Posted by: Bill at November 8, 2008 06:19 PM
She was a member of the faily - We well miss her.
J.O.
Posted by: Eric at November 8, 2008 06:32 PMI'm so sorry that you have joined the sad club of families that has lost a beloved companion in the last few months.
many hugs as you mourn her journey to the rainbow bridge.
Posted by: Lynellen at November 8, 2008 07:27 PMI'm very sorry. I know you will both miss her.
Posted by: Sherry at November 8, 2008 07:48 PMOh, Eric, I am so sorry ... and know my entire family joins me in offering you our condolences on the passing of 'the little dog.'
Posted by: Jeff at November 8, 2008 08:08 PMRest in peace, Abbye.
Posted by: GradualDazzle at November 8, 2008 08:13 PMMy condolences to you and YLB on your loss. These little family members leave an awful hole when they leave us.
Posted by: Kelly at November 8, 2008 08:30 PMI'm so sorry. :(
Posted by: beth at November 8, 2008 09:24 PMMy heart goes out to you, Eric. Truly sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Rob O. at November 8, 2008 09:33 PMCondolences
Posted by: chuck at November 8, 2008 09:42 PMMay Abbye rest in peace, and may God comfort you and your wife, Eric.
Posted by: Michael Bates at November 8, 2008 09:45 PMI'm so sorry, Eric. And thank you for sharing her life with those of us who never had the chance to meet her in person. It sounds like she almost knew she had a job to do here and she did it well, a good and faithful servant. Rest in peace, Abbye.
Posted by: gwynne at November 8, 2008 10:15 PMMany thanks to each of you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. They mean more than we can say.
Posted by: Eric at November 8, 2008 10:52 PMWe will miss her, too. Your precious tribute made us cry.
Abbye knew how much you two loved her.
so sorry to hear it. glad she is in no more pain, but i understand what a loss that is. saying a prayer for your hearst. :) shana
Posted by: Shana at November 9, 2008 01:37 AMAww guys...I know I only met her once but I'm really sad to hear that, but like you say really glad that she'll be sick no longer. My heart is with you guys. Big hugs from NZ.
Posted by: Rachel at November 9, 2008 02:48 AMWhat a lovely tribute to Abbye, Eric. This picture is a perfect forever reminder of her queenliness.
We grieve with you and will miss her terribly. We have many, many happy memories of her, as I know you both have, and that is comforting. You both were generous and loving owners, despite the fact she didn't want to be "owned."
Posted by: Your Mom at November 9, 2008 07:32 AMOh, Eric, I am so very sorry. Your tribute to Abbye has tears flowing. You were blessed to have her in your life. I truly believe with all my heart that dogs are on of God's greatest gifts to us, and I'm on my way home to hug mine now. Thanks and God Bless you thru this and alwyas.
Posted by: texasbug at November 9, 2008 10:36 AMOur Prayers and thoughts go out to you and your wife and Abbye.We will miss her also.
Posted by: Bud at November 9, 2008 11:19 AMPeace be with you during this difficult time.
Posted by: Jimmy at November 9, 2008 11:48 AMSweet dog Abbye girl. Your stories about Abbye made me feel like I knew her myself. I'll miss her.
Posted by: Deborah at November 9, 2008 11:57 AMAgain, many thanks to all of you, most of whom I know have been through this same thing, and some of you much too recently. Abbye would be bemused, but in her own way, appreciative of the attention.
Posted by: Eric at November 9, 2008 01:51 PMSo sorry to hear about Abbye, but I'm glad her suffering is at an end. I loved your stories about her and I pray God will give you and YLB peace and comfort as you say goodbye to a dear member of the family.
Posted by: Denise at November 9, 2008 05:06 PMAh... dear Abbye. Without ever having met her, your many descriptions of her left me feeling like I knew her personally. I am grateful that she had the time with you, and you with her.
Posted by: Donna B. at November 9, 2008 06:04 PMEric knows better than I would, but I suspect she was happier than she was able to convey, if only because she knew the Bad Old Days weren't coming back.
Still, the world was a better place for her being here.
Posted by: CGHill at November 9, 2008 06:07 PMThough the news of Abbye's passing wasn't surprising, it still saddened me greatly. I feel blessed that I had a chance to hold and love on her recently; actually, the fact that she allowed me such an honor might have been another indication that she wasn't long for this world. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Margaret
Posted by: Margaret at November 9, 2008 07:58 PMBeautiful and eloquent as always. Abbye will always be in our hearts. I'd like to think her cousin, Rat Dog, was waiting for her when she got there.
Posted by: Patty at November 9, 2008 09:11 PMEric, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Each pet is special in their own unique way, and losing one creates it's own special loss. As you, and many other kind blog world people know, I truly know the sadness and emptiness that you must be feeling. Dogs are one of God's special creations and we are the less when they are gone.
Posted by: Wallace at November 10, 2008 12:12 AMI started to say “poor Abbye” and then realized that she's at peace. Still, my condolences to you and the rest of the fire ant family.
Posted by: Foo at November 10, 2008 07:16 AMI'm so sorry to hear about Abbye. I know the hole you feel in your heart after losing this member of your family. Abbye was so fortunate to have you two in her life. You gave her so much care, love and compassion through her years and especially through the last few years as she dealt with health issues. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Leigh Ann at November 10, 2008 08:47 AMJack read this poem at Pierre's funeral he arranged in my parent's backyard. I know it sounds a little juvenile, but it meant a lot to us and I hope it helps a little bit. So sorry. I know she was a great dog.
http://www.lyvers-ent.com/prayer1.htm
Posted by: julie at November 10, 2008 09:11 AMI'm so sorry, Eric. It's tough losing a family member...
Posted by: kyle at November 10, 2008 10:29 AMSuch sad news. I'm so sorry to hear this.
It seems that 2008 will be the Year of the Dog Remembered in blogland.
Posted by: jen at November 10, 2008 01:24 PMIf the affection one holds for a pet is an indication of a person's heart, I'd say yours is a tender one. Mine lies broken alongside yours. Heartfelt prayers for both you and D.
Posted by: Sherry at November 10, 2008 02:05 PMOh, Eric and YLB- I'm so sorry. Your dear friend and companion is gone, and I feel for the hole that she leaves behind.
Posted by: Jennifer at November 10, 2008 02:39 PMSpeechless here in PA, hurting for you and MLB.
Posted by: Jim at November 10, 2008 04:48 PMI'm so sorry to hear, Eric. May you find comfort in your memories and the lessons she taught.
Posted by: Brian at November 10, 2008 06:09 PMI'm so sorry to hear that, Eric. Praying peace and comfort your way.
Posted by: Stephen at November 10, 2008 07:30 PMEric,
I am so sorry to hear about Abbye. She was a big part of your lives and will leave a ragged hole. I think she may have been much like our Lando or Nibbles, -- a "little people in a dog suit".
Oh, Eric. I'm so sorry for you and YLB. I remember when I first started reading your blog, I would hit "refresh" just so I could see new pix of Abbye.
I loved that dog, though I never got to meet her. You so made her personality shine through your writing.
I grieve for you both, and with you.
God bless.
Posted by: Janie at November 11, 2008 11:32 PMA Dog’s Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for, though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold or wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting by your feet beside the hearth.
If you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my trusted friend and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I shall leave this earth knowing, with the last breath that I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hand….
I will always be your best friend.
~ Unknown
A lovely tribute, and the penultimate paragraph was especially relevant. We tend to second guess those hard decisions. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Eric at November 16, 2008 07:25 PMAbout the publisher
Random Abbye photos...
Angry Clouds
I am Curious Llama
Ganglia & Brain Cloud
Cabeza del Diablo
Aurora Moreorless
Be careful Who you plagiarize
Coming Attractions
All Thorns, All the Time
Hitchin' a Ride
"...the flower fades..."
Finding meaning in random events
Random Thursday: The Thanksgiving Edition
A Matter of Perception
Reason #21 to wear shoes in West Texas
The Neighborhood:
West Texas Blogs:
[Midland unless otherwise indicated]
Other Texas Blogs:
The Business:
The Church:
The World:
A big hug for you and YLB. That was a great send-off for Abbye...thanks for sharing your thoughts with us in your sadness. I'll be sad with you, OK?
Posted by: Tricia at November 8, 2008 05:36 PM