Ridgell's Originals

 Our Golden Retriever, Lucky Ridgell, had a long and a really good life.  It ended last week when we had to put him down.  He had survived cancer.  Like a lot of big dogs, he was starting to have trouble getting around.  Then he stopped eating.  Began throwing up blood.  

So it was time.  And here are just a few reasons why I loved Lucky.  And if you are not a dog person, you won't get this.  But you should.

Lucky was loyal.  Always wanted to be where I was.  He liked Mimi and he loved the grands, but he was loyal to me.  Even at the end when he couldn't get around, if he saw me he tried to get up and come sit by me. 

He had fun.  Chased any squirrel that got on our fence.  Caught a few birds that flew too low in an effort to torment him. Caught one rabbit that ventured into the wrong yard.  Liked to run and jump until he couldn't. 

He was a good friend to his little sister Lulu.  She was about 120 pounds lighter than Lucky but they got along.  He tolerated her.  Let her lay by him.  Even let her eat out of his bowl when he had all he wanted.

Lucky had one of the all-time great barks.  Very authoritative and commanding.  Deep and loud.  Didn't use it often, but when he did it was serious.

He was a good looking dog.  People stared when they saw him.  Everyone wanted to pet him.  And he let them.  Even the tech that took him in for the final visit.

So why put him down if he was so great?

Quality of life matters to dogs.  They want to please you and they will endure pain to try and make you happy.

We are never going to be cruel to our dogs just to make us feel better.  Not going to be selfish.  

Putting him down was the right thing.  And yes, there may have been a few tears shed.  Lucky was family.  He was one of my best friends.  My grands grew up petting him and sleeping with him right by them. 

But maybe when God restores all creation, our dogs will be there.  We have a lot of good dogs to see, but I think Lucky will be leading the pack.  

So thanks God for letting us have Lucky for over 13 years.  

He was a gift.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM