Sunday, December 21, 2008

A Christmas Tribute to My Best Friend

"The dog of your boyhood teaches you a great deal about friendship, and love, and death: Old Skip was my brother. They had buried him under our elm tree, they said — yet this wasn't totally true. For he really lay buried in my heart. "

-Willie Morris, My Dog Skip

These past few months have been a whirlwind of ups and downs, both good and bad. I began the month of September pursuing my Master's degree at a beautiful university in a beautiful new city, and have met many wonderful, unique people along the way. I spent my days in the library and my weekends and nights out exploring the city with friends. But, eventually, I grew homesick and when Thanksgiving came around, I couldn't wait to visit with friends and family...and of course, my beautiful black lab, Ben...back home. Unfortunately, it was during this weekend back home that I learned my best friend had passed away.
Over the summer I noticed he was growing tired and was beginning to show his age, though he still had a skip, hop and a jump in his step. Then Fall rolled around and his 'kids' went off to school. He started slowing down and slept most of the days away. He passed away on a crisp autumn afternoon when the leaves were starting to turn their rich golden colours.
Yesterday night I came home from Christmas shopping and on my way in the house, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a star twinkling. I am sure that star will follow me forever, and keep a watchful eye over me.
Ben, I will love you and miss you forever.
Goodbye my sweet friend.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Such a sweet post. I am sure you miss him tremendously.

HUGS!

Deb said...

Such a beautiful Tribute post to our beautiful boy Ben!
Love
Mum
xoxo

Ms. ~K said...

Hi Kate,
I found your blog via your mom's.
I am so sorry about your sweet Ben. I am a Lab (any dog) lover.
I know and understand your loss.
Take care,
Kit
Georgia

Susie Q said...

Such a swwt tribute to a very special boy. He was a bklessing to your family and each of you were to him as well.
He is with you...he will live on in your heart and memories.
I think of him often...

Happy new year sweet Kate.

Love,
Sue

From the Attic said...

Kate, I too found your blog via your mum's blog and right now I am writing this through tears after reading your beautiful tribute to your lab, Ben. I know you will hold many happy memories in your heart and yes, I am sure too that would have been his star twinkling for you.

Chrissie

Undirty said...

I made a music video in tribute of our dog Sheba, it has a song I wrote on it called "Keeper of the Flame," you may watch it here..hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzkxcYeKBFo

Undirty said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzkxcYeKBFo
Watch my video about Sheba our dog.