Our dog friend Strider died last night. He’d been a constant friend to us as we ran by his house several times a week for the past 13 years; Diane and I went running this morning down by the rivershore. As we turned into the trail the dogs across Cochran road .. Coco and the two Doberman’s at Deb’s house.. started barking like crazy. Not just their normal barking.. but an insescent wail.. almost a question. Chai and Satori couldn’t make out the sound either They stayed with me while Diane went to check what was up with all the dogs. She came back a few minutes later to tell me that that Strider had died yesterday night.. I knew it was coming.. but still it brought me to tears. I knew he had not been doing well.. he was in clearly in pain. so I said my private good bye to him yesterday morning. He would always be standing outside of his house watching me and the dogs run by.. The dogs and I would always walk over to him to say hi. I’d scratch under his chin and he’d smile.. He really did smile.. he had this funny way of curling his lips like he was going to growl which meant he was happy. I’m really going to miss him.. Good bye my friend . .. I wish you peace..
As I’m writing this I just found a note from Strider’s owner in tonight’s Richmond Front Page Forum .. Here’s the note
SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE BONES
By Molly D
Wed, 20 May 2009
I am passing along some final thoughts from Strider – Francis
Hi Neighbors – I’m not going to be making my morning rounds around Dugway, Cochran Road and Wheeler Lane to visit you any longer. I wanted to thank you all for taking such good care of me. You fed me bones and treats, you petted me and called me a good dog. You gave me rides home when you thought I was lost or had wandered too far. I loved riding in cars and I especially loved getting treats on my rounds. You can still give your treats to Cocoa – she a really good dog and has been a best friend to me lately. A big shout out to Max & Elcie across the road – keep howling – AWOOOO! Chai & Sartori – thanks for the bones! To the mailman, I hope you enjoy delivering the mail in peace and quiet. I’ve got a resting place where I can watch Cochran Road and Wheeler Lane – so drive slow. Thanks to Virginia Clarke for making an extra trip out to see me in the end. I’m off to a place where my hips don’t hurt, I can run up and down hills, chew sticks into little toothpicks !
and swim all day long!
Take Care,
Strider
I thought of Strider all through my day.. This evening I had a show down in Monkton. I was feeling a bit sad.. but the prospect of doing the mad science thing cheered me up. I always enjoy visiting the kids in Monkton. Tonight it was cub scouts from monkton, New Haven and Hinesburgh. The show was noisy and fun.. a great group of kids.. After the show, the scout masters of both packs each handed me very generous checks Sam’s fund.. I didn’ t even know they knew.. Once again today I was moved to tears..
I love people…. and dogs..
Gnite Sam
-me