Friday, February 17, 2012

Who would want an old dog…


That became apparent when I got a call from the Washington County Animal Shelter. Someone must have gotten tired of their 14 year old Scottie and decided they would just turn him out into the street while they went to Florida for the winter.

When I arrived, I found a stately Scottish Terrier who was ready to leave, ready to head home as it were. However, we had to wait an agonizing 5 more days to give his previous human time to reclaim him. On a Wednesday at 12:01, we took over. For the next year the last thing Pierre had to worry about was his spot on the couch. He became very good at camping whether we were in Gatlinburg, Chattanooga or Myrtle Beach. He loved the trips to the cabin or a run on the beach equally well. He became a true connoisseur of ‘taters and onions, (yes, I am aware about ONIONS - it is just our term for grilling out), table food, heck, whatever ‘you’ are having was just fine with him. Popcorn never touched the ground at our house nor did potato chips have a chance. His cataracts were so bad he couldn’t always see what was going on, but his nose told him where the treats were.

Pierre’s gruff voice was reminiscent of Sam Elliott or an old gunfighter… his belly was made for rubbing though. Teresa and Pierre would get into sneezing bouts with each other and Pierre always won. The spot on the couch was his from the start. From there he could see the TV, be perfectly in line for someone walking by with food and it was a good napping location. He might have been an old dog, but he was smart one and… he had a puppy’s heart.

His body though, was giving out, faster than it should in my selfish opinion. He needed more time with the other Scotties in our clan, more trips to the Tennessee River, more time for everything… but that wasn’t going to happen. Pierre’s kidneys started shutting down with enzyme levels off the chart. He wouldn’t eat and finally wouldn’t drink. His breathing was getting too much for him to handle and so, we reluctantly made the trip to help him over the Rainbow Bridge.

Who would want an old dog? I can tell you at least 6 people who knew Pierre that would take you to task for that kind of thought. You see, most folk forget that when they have seen an old dog… it has a puppy’s heart. Just look at Pierre… and then go to Tennessee Scottie Rescue and see what old dogs you can find. Ginger McAfee will go the extra mile and then some to make sure you find your next best buddy.

So Pierre, play in peace, achoo from Teresa and aaAAARRrrrroOOO from the rest of your Scottie Clan.

13 comments:

Kay said...

run free Pierre..what a wonderful tribute to an old dog....xx

Diana said...

You were lucky to find each other. His puppy heart is playing free now.

Ms. ~K said...

Thank you for sharing this story.
Rest in Peace, Dear Pierre!

Ms. ~K said...

PS...My thoughts are with all who loved Pierre.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

John, I love old dogs and my heart is breaking for you family. Scottie Arrrooos and Hugs to you from the Rocky Creek Clan.

Lynn and The Rocky Creek Scotties

Miss Jean said...

God bless you!

Kensington said...

That is a beautiful story, thank you for sharing! I bet this last year was his best! I am glad that he found such a wonderful family to share the rest of his life with! I hope you don't mind if I share your story on our rescue page on facebook. I think it is an inspiration!

QuantumGreg said...

Well spoken, friend. Thank God for folks like you who made Pierre's last days a taste of the peace and fun of heaven. Awesome, John. Beautiful story. I'm trying to man-up and not get all tears... you jerk. :)

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We cannot believe that anyone could get rid of a dog they've had for so long. But many people do. We're so happy Pierre made it to you and could live out his retirement happily.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Lynn at Rocky Creek Scotties sent me to your blog. What a touching post...My husband and I take in the senior Golden Retrievers for our local rescue, so I know all too well how heartless people can be when it comes to a companion who has devoted their life to them. I have to admit that it always leaves me feeling a bit discouraged. But when there are people like you who open their hearts and home to a wonderful Scottie like Pierre, and give them the home and love they deserve at a time in their life when they need someone more than at any other time, my faith in the human race is restored.

I hope you are finding comfort in your memories of Pierre and in knowing that you'll see him again one day...And what a wonderful day that will be.

The Strawberry Mallard said...

Sweet Lynn sent us over as well; what a beautiful soul; you were given an opportunity to share your lives with a wonderful dog, who is now telling all the Scottie on the other side of the Rainow Bridge, how blessed both he, and you were.
Thank you, from all the scotties and their peeps!
Hugs, Nancy, Angus and Becky

Brittany said...

This is beautiful. What an adorable dog. Thanks for sharing :)

Sweet William The Scot said...

Oh Pierre, may the ground lay lightly over you so that you may be out from under and on your way to the bridge good and faithful Scotty.
Sweet William The Scot