Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. Mattie had just been diagnosed with cancer at the end of that July. Mattie and Peter met up with our neighbor and his Jack Russell Terrier, JJ. JJ was the first dog that Mattie spent time with and developed a bond. In fact, we always joke that Mattie and JJ grew up together, as JJ came into Mattie's life when he was 6 years old. Mattie wanted a dog of his own but fortunately we did not get one right away, because we wouldn't have been able to care for the dog through Mattie's treatment.
Today is JJ's 9th birthday. I got him gifts and Sunny visited with JJ. It is hard to accept that I couldn't take a current photo of this friendship duo today, but Mattie is gone.
Quote of the day: We have been friends together in sunshine and in shade. ~ Caroline Sheridan Norton
After Mattie died, JJ was besides himself. He would come to our front door and just sit there. At one point, he came into our home, ran upstairs to Mattie's room, took a sandal of Mattie's, and brought it to his home and slept with it for about a year. How do you like that for friendship and loyalty? Dogs are amazingly sensitive creatures. I see it with Sunny, and I try to imagine Mattie with Sunny. They would have absolutely loved each other, as they have similar traits...... always on, always moving, the brain is always going, and very perceptive of one's environment!
So from my experience, I would have to say that even our furry friends were effected by Mattie's death. Where did all of this come from out of the blue? My discussion on pets was triggered by recognizing JJ's birthday today, and remembering the moments he and Mattie had together.
1 comment:
Vicki, Your quote holds great meaning for me. So much so that I wrote it down so I remember it! Sunshine & shade are two words, I never thought of in the area of friendship yet they are very appropriate!
Thinking of Mattie unable to maneuver around on his own is an extremely sad thought. Knowing about his usual high energy level and his love of adventure, this fact must have added to his sadness during treatment.
Pets are truly a member of a family and in the larger picture of life, friends of people, they met and have fun times! I myself, have seen this with Michael's dogs, Rounder & Biscuit, Also Kimber's dogs, especially Jake were out of sorts in the months before her death! I know this continued. It is not surprising that Patches spent time on Mattie's bed and on pillows, looking out the window. What is most touching though is JJ's snatching of Mattie's sandal, taking it for the comfort. We think of love & connection as human emotions yet clearly the pets, we love, just can't tell only show the attachment they had for us. Saddest of all, of course, is the reality that there are no more pictures of Mattie! Thinking of you & Peter and always remembering a little boy who has touched my heart through his Mom's blog❤️
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