Milestones In Reverse

Ruin 1990 - 2008

She started out as one of a pair - a couple of mutts belonging to my middle son. They were a mis-matched pair to look at - one like a German Shepherd not put together quite right, and the other marked like a doberman, but who was a bit fluffy and had a tail like a sheperd - and he named them “Rack” and “Ruin”.

The puppies grew - Rack, the German Shepherd wannabee - was given away, but Ruin, the Dobie-like became my son’s constant companion. Wherever he was, she was - the hunting buddy, the fishing companion, the camping enthusiast - you name it, she was there. She didn’t learn to “sit”, she learned to “get little” - and when that wasn’t enough, she learned to “get littler”. The whole family watched her grow into a wonderful, sweet-natured dog.

She had her quirks - she hated swimming, was terrified of loud noises, as in thunder, gunshots, and fireworks - she’d head for the nearest bathroom, and hide out in the tub. She also did not care much for small toddler-sized children. Never knew just why - what some nameless child had done - heard rumors of rock-throwing, but we all just adjusted, and the kids in the family just knew the “one-hand” rule of petting. Only one hand, and no hugging.

Fast forward a few years - and when my son was going to get married, and his beloved had one of those aforementioned ’small toddler-types’ - he came to me and asked if I would take her. Had it been any other dog, anywhere, I’d have said no, but it was Ruin - and she’d been part of the family for so long. The way my son explained it was - “I’m afraid that Rue will somehow end up biting Haven, and then I’d have to kill her - so would you please take her?” Could I refuse that? No - I could not.

More years passed, milestones flew by, my divorce, grandkids born, moving, more grandkids - and through it all Ruin was a part of every gathering, meal and holiday. Life was good, and we all enjoyed it to the hilt.

I met my wonderful man, fell in love, and we married. There was no question - Love me, love my dog - and Ruin made the trip to Virginia - to a new house in a new state. She accepted my husband - which was a rarity - Ruin chose her men-friends very carefully! Ruin became part of our new family, and adjusted to the new digs with aplomb. She’d go out every morning, and race around the perimeter of her world with total abandon, a picture of canine joy!

Until….. I should have been more prepared. I mean, my head knew that in January of this year, Ruin turned 18 years old. That is old for a dog - any kind of dog. But I wasn’t. And so sadly the milestones began to reverse. Ruin could no longer hear - nor more howling in perfect unison with the fire trucks as they went by - but also no more cowering at the sound of thunder.

Then she began to fail visibly - her legs would give out on her. She began to lose control of her functions - this the one who used to go 12-14 hours waiting for me to get home - and thus another milestone - she began to spend her nights outside in the garage. She got slower each time she would get up. Then the time came when she could not climb the three steps up the deck to the back door - and wagged her tail gratefully when I picked her up and helped her out. Soon, she had no control over her functions at all, and we had to make the decision that she would be an ‘outdoor’ dog. She accepted this new role with calm, and made the adjustment with no complaint.

The last milestone….my faithful companion - could no longer get up. She refused all food and drink - she knew it was her time. We spent lots of time with her that last day, petting on her, and talking to her, even though we knew she couldn’t hear us. She would lift her head for more pets….then lay back exhausted. On Saturday afternoon, she bid us all good-bye. It was a singularly sad event for me - it just seemed like she had always been there…..and now was not. Rest in Peace, Ruin - my good and faithful friend!

May 19, 2008 |

Comments

2 Comments so far

RealWorldMom, Moms May 20, 2008 9:57 am
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Ruin is now healthy and happy again on Rainbow Bridge.
Nessa, Moms May 20, 2008 10:37 am
Awwwwww, Ruin obviously had a wonderful life with people who love her. A doggie couldn’t ask for more. Best wishes to you and yours.