Editor’s note: This article is not the sort of article that I would normally post on the Clear Thinking site, but it’s something that’s very close to my heart and I hope you enjoy it. Love Meredith xx
“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.” - Unknown
In August 2000, Paul (my husband) and I discussed the idea, and weighed up the pros and cons, of getting a dog. Paul had an affinity towards Airedales, after owning one – Bosun – in Zambia when he was younger.
Then, as coincidence would have it, he came across an ad in the local newspaper for Airedale puppies.
We looked at each other and simultaneously said, “There’s no harm in looking!”
When we arrived at the breeders we were delighted to see five of the cutest 6 week old puppies. One of them stood out from the rest. He was quieter than the others – more confident. He sat on his own, looking straight at me as if to say, “I’m coming home with you today!”
And that’s exactly what he did.
Milton
He was the most adorable little pup and we were so happy to have him in our lives. We named him Milton, after the author-poet John Milton.
At two months old, Milton was the size of my foot! I thought I would get a basket for my bicycle, so that he could travel around with me. But he outgrew that idea in no time. Within six months he was 25 kilos and almost fully grown.
Milton loved squeaky toys, teddy bears and tennis balls. He loved walking on the beach and swimming in the river. He loved children and other dogs. He loved everyone and everyone loved him.
He attracted attention wherever he went. He was just one of those remarkable dogs.
Unlucky Three
Three years ago we drove down to the park and as always Milton couldn’t wait to get out of the car. As he jumped to chase a ball he pulled up yelping in pain. He had popped the cruciate ligament in his right leg. Ouch!
A year later he had a sarcoma removed from his left leg and within six months he had another one removed, again from his left leg. Double ouch!
These three operations not only made his back legs weak, they put tremendous strain on his lower back.
Ian
Six months ago Milton collapsed while walking in the river. His back legs gave way. I rushed to help him and when he got to the shore he managed to walk to the car. Fortunately that wasn’t too far away.
I took him straight to Ian, our vet, who gave him an injection, which we had to repeat every six weeks.
Three weeks ago the injections stopped working. Milton lost the use of his back legs.
An x-ray revealed deterioration of his lower spine. Ian recommended a mass of medication and said that we will know in two weeks whether or not he will improve.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” - Josh Billings
Last Thursday I was up at 3am to assist Milton outside. I had become his back legs. Soon after, I carried him inside and onto his favourite sofa.
At 4.30am he let me know that he needed to go outside again. And as he sat at the front door looking in, I looked back at him and he gave me that look – you know the one you dread to see.
He was telling me, with his eyes, that this was it. He couldn’t go on anymore.
In Memory of Milton
On December 13, 2012 we said good bye to Milton – our best friend.
I hope you enjoy watching A Tribute to Milton as much as I enjoyed putting it together. It was great therapy, as was writing this article.
Love
Meredith xx
About Meredith Forder
This is the most beautiful tribute for your special, handsome Airedale boy who enriched your life. We will never forget Milton, his strong character, independence and affection.
I have known so many lovely Airedale souls that have enriched and shaped my life, as only an Airedale can. It is always heart wrenching to say goodbye. I find great comfort knowing that their life was treasured having been part of a loving family – they never knew hunger, a harsh hand or loneliness. Thank you for giving Milton these essential things that all pets should experience, but far to few ever do. Thank you for loving him, making his life happy and valued. I know he will always be with you, having all those wonderful memories, in spirit and in your heart.
Don’t be sad, rejoice that you knew him and he loved you both so very much too. God bless Milton, he is in heaven now without pain and suffering.
Thank you Pauline for taking the time to write these very special words. It was the easiest thing in the world to love Milton and to give him the life that he deserved. Thank you for breeding the most beautiful dogs. We hope you have great success with Vera and we look forward to hearing from you in the new year.
Well, that truly was just beautiful!! Cried buckets of tears for you both, Milton & Safi. What a moving tribute to a remarkable character. My heart goes out to you chickie. We will always remember Milton with love and laughter. He was truly blessed to have a mum & dad who loved and cared for him as you did, and what a reunion it will be one day huh!!!!! In the meantime his spirit will live on in your hearts and the memories I am sure will continue to bring a smile to your faces long after the pain has subdued.
Thank you for your kind words Fran. Sorry to cause you so many tears xx
Thank you for this post. It brought to mind my Dad and his best friend, Mocha. He and Mocha were together 24/7. They had a very special bond, one that I had always hoped to have with a dog of my own one day.
Those “one days” always come – the bad and the good – and early one morning my Dad’s best friend Mocha passed away. Dad sunk into a depression, was extremely lost, and no matter what we tried to do he was inconsolable.
About a year passed and my dad still was having a hard time with the loss. I got a dog of my own and brought him from my home in NY to visit my parents in FL. For the first time in over a year I saw my dad light up playing with my puppy, Jack.
Though my dad said he’d never want another dog, he began to soften to the idea of a new companion. “I like your dog” he’d say quietly.
I secretly began a search for an adoptable mini australian shepherd. I happened to find a sweet mini aussie puppy in a foster home just before christmas last year, and this past christmas my dad and this holiday puppy (who he named skipper) celebrated a year together. My dad’s usual enthusiasm and bright disposition was finally restored. Skip isnt Mocha, but their relationship goes beyond human understanding. Dogs fill a space in our hearts that no person or place or activity can ever hope to touch.
I am so sorry for your loss. I dread the loss of my own best friend, but I know that you, Meredith, my dad and myself are all better people having had the opportunity to accept the love of these special animals. Thanks again for sharing this and opening up the comments so that we could share our own stories.
Thank you Cate for your lovely story. It’s so very true, dogs are incredible companions. I’m so pleased that your Dad’s spirit is restored with Skip.
It’s been 2 weeks now since Milton left us, and even though it still hurts I believe that Milton will always be with us.
I just started reading a beautiful book called A Dog’s Purpose. You and your Dad may like to read it too: http://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Purpose-W-Bruce-Cameron/dp/0765330342
Thank you again.
I have just read your emotional and heartfelt tribute to your gorgeous Milton and, in the midst of getting ready for work, have tears pouring down my face. Having loved many dogs on my life, and feeling exactly the same way about our very special chocolate standard poodle Mars as you felt about Milton (there is just something extra there in him which draws others to love him and interact with him in the same way), I can feel your pain.
Having said that, what an incredibly wonderful life Milton had with you and how blessed and enriched were your lives as a result? That really is the power of love – doesn’t have to be only between humans. RIP Milton. You are obviously greatly missed. Thanks for sharing Meredith – the story and the photos.
Thank you for your thoughts Helen. It seems that everyone who reads this tribute or watches the video ends up in tears. I guess it strikes a real chord in all of us.
Dogs are wonderful companions and only dog lovers can understand that when you lose your dog it’s like losing a child. I can’t understand people who say, “why are you upset, it’s only a dog!” Shame on them.
I’ve seen pics of Mars and he looks gorgeous. Love the name, Mars
xo
Helen you’ve got to read this book. I’m sure you’ll love it: http://www.booktopia.com.au/a-dog-s-purpose-w-bruce-cameron/prod9780765330345.html
Hi Meredith,
Just watched your beautiful tribute to Milton. Thank you for sharing this. It was really touching and the joy and love that was shared by you all is so evident. His eyes displayed so much of happiness and contentment – words cannot adequately express these emotions enough!
Our family is blessed to share this love with our own dog called Chai, a German Spitz, and we cherish every moment spent with her.
Thank you once again and take care,
Mogestri
Hi Mogestri,
Thank you for your kind message. A dogs love is very special. We were blessed to have Milton for 12 years. He was a unique and wonderful dog.
I’d say Chai is a very lucky dog to be in the Pather family.
Bye for now. Take care x