Another way of saying Good Bye

It has been almost a year since we had to euthanize our 12 year old catahoula mix, Asher. While I can make decisions quickly, sometimes hindsight has me regretting them. At the time of his death, we held a small memorial service where I gave away his patchwork towels. My husband said I would regret it. And unfortunately, some days he is right. And mostly the reason I do, is because they were our all purpose pet towels and blankets. I still have one that I use for the cats. But the rest of Asher’s things went into a box and I didn’t look at them until a few days ago.

Camping 2018

For some reason that morning, I woke up motivated. Perhaps it is the anticipation of downsizing again, which I am looking forward to. I brought out a box of things and got to work, taking photos sending to friends with dogs and washing everything to give away. I did hesitate and consider keeping his beloved, albeit destroyed, donut. However, logic won and I threw it away. This doesn’t mean I am getting rid of all his things. I still have 2 of his collars, his leash, the dog beds (which the cats sleep in), and his food bowls. There is a tub outside of toys too, I have yet to get to. One of my co-workers took his bones and kong toys, a friend from church has his winter coat for her pup, and his extra collars and harness are going to a friend in Texas.

I’m not committed to getting another dog anytime soon. Since Asher’s passing, Huey became diabetic and requires medication and special food, not the mention a fairly strict routine. Plus both cats are in their senior years, while it was fun to watch them all grow up together that also means the next few years will be hard. I am keeping a few of Asher’s things in case things change, in case I find the next best dog ever. But just not now.

Snuggle Bugs

What better way to remember Asher than to share the things he had? Whenever someone came to see us, he was usually at the door with a toy to show off. Gifting his things to people I know love and care about their dogs brings me joy, and a little bit of sadness. Because it is saying good bye in a different way and also celebrating how much he loved by loving someone else’s dog.