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The bond that we shared was real and I knew for many years that losing Ranger was going to be very hard. I was his trainer and owner, but there was more – much more. I know that the time I spent with him played a large role in the strength of our bond, but I also know that Ranger came into my life at a time when he was really needed. There was certainly a hole in my life that he filled. Though he was just a dog, he comforted my loneliness. Though he was just a dog, he gave me one of the greatest hobbies a guy could have. Though he was just a dog, he brought love to an empty place. Though he was just a dog, he helped me grow up. Though he was just a dog, he was a friend. Though he was just a dog, he helped mark what will probably be one of the most important periods of my life. Though he was just a dog, he was a gift!
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It wasn’t long after my mind returned to reality that the breathing or lack thereof, got even worse. Within minutes, Ranger had taken his last breath and was gone. The moment had finally come and was already gone. It was over. It was hard to even feel emotion at that point. I had wondered what this moment would feel like. I had thought about it often. And, when it finally came it was as if I still hadn’t figured out what to do with it. Maybe I was trying to be strong for my kids and my wife; they were all crying. Maybe I just didn’t know what to feel. Of course, I was sad. But on the other hand, I had seen this beautiful, strong, athletic, loving animal become so weak and frail and even sickly in a fairly short period of time. This great animal had such a full and happy life and as of late, it wasn’t very full or happy anymore. While there was definitely sadness, there was also a sense of relief. Ranger was a participant in time and, like all of us, could not escape its effects. I know in my heart that there is a season for everything under the sun, and while I sure enjoyed our season together, I knew it had come to a close.
Watching my dog die was rough, but believe it or not, it wasn’t the hardest part of the day for me. Shortly after he stopped breathing, I petted his lifeless head and ear one last time. I wrapped him up in a blanket, picked him up and set him in the back of my truck. Along with a shovel and a pick, I drove Ranger’s body to his final resting place. Above all, digging that hole was by far the hardest part of that day! With each shovel of dirt, my mind was barraged with memories of our time together. I remembered things about Ranger that day that I had forgotten long ago. My mind was on high alert and Ranger’s life was on center stage. It took a while to make the hole large enough and the whole burial process was mentally and emotionally grueling. During the process, I realized how much I was going to miss him. To me, Ranger really was a good and perfect gift.
Put these excerpts in context by reading WOODS DOG.
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