Saturday, September 26, 2020

Good-Bye to Alf, Another Lost Boy

My week has been spent resting and recovering. I'm somewhat better, and the advice from my doctor is that if I'm not "significantly better" by the end of the weekend, I'm to return to the emergency room for more IV antibiotics.  I hope that won't need to happen....

Again, enough of me....  I must tell you about the loss of our beloved Alf in the midst of everything last week. 

I knew weeks ago that Alf's health was starting to fail. But like that old car, we did everything we could to keep him up and going. For the most part, we were successful. It wasn't always easy, he could be a stubborn boy. 

But when I was sick in bed, and his health also took a turn, I prayed for that tender mercy that would allow him to hang on a bit longer. Carl took great care of him until I felt a bit better to resume his care. I'd gotten him out in the morning and I was encouraged that he was up and around, and had a bit of an appetite. However, by the next day, despite several try's his strength was totally gone and he wouldn't stand. I knew he'd waited for me to feel better to allow me to be with him for the last of his journey.  

~Alf, the first day we met~

Alf had truly been dealt a bad hand in his previous life. Found as a stray in downtown Baltimore, while in the shelter, it was recommended by 2 or 3 vets that this "lost boy" be euthanized because of his condition and health issues. However, he was turned over to the Golden Retriever Rescue, and the rest, as we can say, became HIS story (history?). 

The little more than two years with Alf went too fast. So much has happened, and Alf, in the background was a witness to all of it. He wasn't a dog that liked attention and fuss. And when I read the definition of a curmudgeon as being a crusty, ill-tempered old man, I knew this was Alf. He could be grouchy, moody, and more than a little stubborn. 

However, his head-butts to the back of my knees and his always wanting to be nearby spoke volumes and showed a gentle side of him. I knew he'd never allow me to hug him, so instead I would kiss him on his head, look into his dark brown eyes and tell him that I loved him. But I will confess to sometimes having a passing thought that he might snap at me for being in his space. But he never did. He knew my words came from my heart and I know how he felt in those moments too. Even now, thinking about them, brings out those tears and makes me miss him that much more. 

~Alf loved the snow!~

About a week before Alf left us, I took the below picture of a rainbow-prism that was coming through the window as Alf laid on the kitchen floor. Given how he was feeling, I knew that his angels and the rainbow bridge were near....

I think we've all heard it said that our four-legged family member stay by our side after passing away. The day after Alf left us, there were 2 prisms in the same spot. I found myself smiling and thanking Alf for that. I know that was him. I know he's nearby. I know he knows he meant something to us. 


Alf's color for the rainbow is the green from in his collar. Green is said to symbolizes unconditional love and forgiveness. 

It's also said to be a healing color and I know that being a dog, he forgave the neglect and treatment in his first life. With us I think Alf, another one of our lost boys, found renewal, and harmony that I hope healed his heart and spirit. 



God-speed Alf. You may be our 5th loss for this year but the ache and sadness of your loss is all its own, just as that place is that you have in my heart. I'm so thankful that you found your way to us and were part of our lives for two years and that I had the chance to know and love you, "my hot mess of a 'doodle!" 💓

30 comments:

  1. Oh my heart . . .
    Alf . . . too many this year Kim.

    I am concerned for you, this is hanging on much to long.
    I hope you turn the corner to “feeling better land!”
    SOON!

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  2. What a real miracle that this sweet lost boy found his way to your home and loving care, Kim. The contact with the pack of canine retirees, Todd, and the cats certainly gave Alf a peaceful haven showed him a glimpse of heaven.

    Wishing you well, too. Be good to you, take care, and stay safe.

    Thanks for all y'all you do.

    Hugs!

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  3. Heavy heart here for you , hoping that you find peace in the goodness of all your furs. Take care of you!

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  4. God bless Alf. So happy to hear you are doing a little better, stay healthy and stay safe.

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  5. We're so sorry to hear about Alf leaving for the Bridge. Our paws are crossed that you feel better and don't need to go to the emergency room.

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  6. Oh Kim, so sorry to read of Alf's passing, of course he was blessed to have found you and found your love for the last part of his life. Hope you too are feeling better. with much love xxx

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  7. Wow! You've sure had a tough time lately! We're sorry to hear about Alf, and that you've been sick as well. Hopefully things will start looking up at your place real soon!

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  8. Kim, please feel and be well soon. Oh, darling Alf, I will miss seeing you here. I'm so very thankful for the happiness that was given to this dear sweet boy after his early misfortunes. He's gone much too soon. There will be a joyous reunion one day.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear Alf passing. Alf's time with you was a happy time. I hope you are feeling better too. Hugs, Take care!

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  10. We felt your love for Alf when we saw your post on Instagram. Alf loved you back in his own way. So sorry for yet another loss. And yes, each one is different from the others and never easy. Thanks for giving Alf those two good years with you.

    Please feel better soon.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  11. They just don't live as long as parrots do. Instead of being sad, treasure the memories.

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  12. Kim, once again this year, I'm so sorry to hear about Alf. He was so lucky to have you by his side. He knew that his best life was spent at Golden Pines. Take comfort in knowing that you gave him that life that he deserved.

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  13. darling girl. you write like none other of these wonderful souls given to your care. " so instead I would kiss him on his head, look into his dark brown eyes and tell him that I loved him."
    and the little curmudgeon that had found a way to survive until he found you knew your heart. and he knew love. right until the end. you provide FAMILY.
    now take care of you. get well darling girl. rest. XO

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  14. We are so sorry for your loss of Alf, thank you for making his last years happy ones. Hope you feel better soon. Healing purrs and paws of sympathy and comfort.

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  15. I am so sorry for you loss. I am grateful Alf was given an amazing 2 years of love. Hugs.

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  16. So sorry about your loss of handsome Alf. We all know that his best years were spent with you.

    I hope this week will find you regaining your health. Take care, Kim.

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  17. So sorry for your loss our four legged friends are all so special:) Hope you are all better soon...sounds like you need to rest!!

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  18. I wish everyone could love like owners and pets, it is so special for us and our pets. So strong.

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  19. Sorry to hear the news of Alf. So thankful he had been given love in the last years of his life.
    Godspeed Alf, we will all meet again. Kim take care of yourself this has been such a trying year for you.

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  20. I am so sorry to hear about your special boy Alf. How sweet that you kissed him on the head and looked into his eyes and said I love you. Alf knew exactly what you were saying. How wonderful the he felt loved, and your kindness for two years. Thank you. You are for sure an angel. Sure hope you are feeling better and need no more trips to the emergency room.

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  21. Awwwww ((((((((((((Kim))))))))))))))! Yes, I believe the rainbow prism was Alf's angel... reaching out to him, to tell him to come along to heaven. And Alf, in turn, reached out to you with that same prism, telling you he's alright... and to thank you for giving him the best two years of his life!! My heart & prayers are there with you, my friend... please get better soon. Love, Andrea xoxo

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  22. This lost doodle boy was found, was loved, his space respected. This is a truly beautiful tribute to Alf. Two years is a very long time in a dog's life. From their perspective, I mean. So I am sure he was healed by your love in a place where he felt safe.

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  23. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  24. I am so sorry for another loss. Alf was truly loved and respected, and that's why he chose to give you those signs, so you would know how appreciated that was. Big hugs to you. ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  25. So very sorry to hear that you've lost that special boy. He had such a good life with you, so was truly blessed.
    Hope that you will soon be feeling better. Take care.

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  26. Alf was a good friend and companion. Why is it these sad events always seem to happen when there's a lot else going on ? Liked the prism on the floor - a reminder that dog owners are privy to signs others aren't. Stay strong.

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  27. Another boy who you gave love when he needed it. You gave him a new lease on life. We all thank you. I'm so sorry that he is gone. Sending love.

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  28. I am so sorry for the loss of your handsome Alf. Hugs to you♥

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!