Still missing a good friend
I had not recalled that this week marks one month since Nathan the Beagle died overnight, possibly from pneumonia.
I knew he was taxed by some hard coughing that night, but I thought his determination would keep him going until I could take him to Dr. Nichols at 9 a.m.
At about 2 a.m. he was coughing a lot, but he calmed down and went back to sleep.
I did not hear anything from him until I woke up at about five am and I got up to check on him.
I found him stretched out, with his back against the laundry room door. He was in his final deep sleep. He was a handsome boy and was obviously at peace with the world. My friend Carl was returning to Syracuse on Wednesday of that week, so Nathan rested at Dr. Nichols’ for two days until Carl could come and fashion his grave next to Ahmi and Mr. Lemon.
I usually have very little trouble with the passing of my Beagles after they are resting at the edge of my woods, but Nathan seems to be haunting me for a longer time than the other dogs.
It is probably because I only had him for two and a half years and I would normally have expected to have him with me for at least another three years.
Ahmi lived to almost 16 years, but she was very fragile at the end and Dr. Bill thought her last seizure was more than she could handle.
Mr. Lemon was struck by a wing plow when the temperature was 10 below zero.
The cold may have taken his pain away, but he was not found until 12 hours after the accident.
These “wonderful companions” are lying next to each other with their heads facing uphill and to the west.
Some interesting field stones with brass nameplates mark the graves.
I still miss Nathan very much.
He had a habit of greeting the car at the top of his west range and then he would jump up on my left leg when I patted my thigh after I got out of the Tahoe in my garage or the parking space in the driveway.
He would sleep on my lap while I passed the evening in my recliner.
He didn’t seem to care what was on the TV. His enjoyment came from having his ears and the back of his neck scratched.
I have not decided whether to look for a new dog.
I usually just keep my eyes open and one shows up and indicates that he would like to have a home with me.
His eyes will speak to me if he is ready to take me into his life. Spring is always the best time to deal with a new canine. Maybe sharing my thoughts with my readers will help me cheer up a bit.
I have received a lot of cards and notes expressing your sympathy for my sadness.
I wish to thank you for these efforts.
I know that many of you have met Nate and that you miss seeing him around town.
You’ve also kept up with his stories in the Press from time to time. There. I do seem to feel better having shared these thoughts with you. Thank you.
On a side note, The Creamery Museum and Gift Shop are open 1-4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays all year and also 1-4 pm on Sundays during July, August, and the Dickens weekends.
