Dingo And Our Final Day Together

To Our Beloved Buddy Dingo

Thanks For Six Wonderful Years!
December 2003 - October 2009

Dingo's ashes at rest in the living room

This entry into Dingo's blog has been the one I've dreaded having to make from the moment we embarked on this project. Seven long months of working hard, finding encouragement in Dingo's will to live and hoping for the best, were all dashed so quickly. It still so hard to believe.

It's been very difficult to know how to approach sharing the events of October 18th, but I've decided not to focus too much of the pain of day. The whole experience was far too personal, and I'm sure anyone who's ever dealt with the death of a pet can understand the extreme void left by the loss. I however will share that we had arranged for a vet to perform the procedure at home when the time came, and his passing was done peacefully on his blanket in the living room. Dingo slipped away while resting in our arms, receiving equal amounts of loving strokes and sorrowful tears from us both.

What I would like to share from that final day, is the beautiful morning he and I had together. After a very fitful night, Dingo woke me, as usual, at the crack of dawn for his morning pee. All of us were exhausted as Dingo had a great deal of pain the night before and just couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. While outside he laid down to rest in his favorite spot in the backyard to view his kingdom. I grabbed my camera to document what were to be his final hours of lucidity.

Dingo and I sat quietly together staring into the leaves of the trees as the sun came up on what otherwise, would turn out to be a beautiful day. We listened to the birds and the wind, absorbing every sound around us with silent intensity. I crouched down as low as I could to view the world as he was seeing it right then, and shot a few more photos.

He glanced at me off and on, and I looked into his eyes desperately searching for the next sign. Was he going to hang with us and fight another day, or would he give the signal to let me know it was time. I could tell he was really in a precarious place as his eyes would go from connecting with me to drifting off entirely, as if he had no idea who I was.

After a few hours he laid his head on the ground and became pretty unresponsive. We knew then and there the time had finally come and began to say our goodbyes.

In memory, I wanted to conclude Dingo's blog on a positive note, reflecting on all the great times he gave us over the years. Dingo touched so many people and was truly a one of a kind dog. Friends, family, neighbors, delivery drivers and strangers who never met him, sent their warm condolences on his passing. Thanks to all who brought flowers and dog treats to the temporary marker we placed in his favorite spot on the driveway. We're honored have had time with such a special buddy and our lives have been permanently changed for the better.



The above footage was from the day Dingo came home with a positive diagnosis for lymphoma. The day was spent at his favorite park, playing with the coveted 'oven mitt' (for some reason he went bonkers every time he saw it), and then just relaxing at home.



Above is a collection of photos taken by us, my mom, our good friends and neighbors Pete and Rachel and our dear friend Tara. Click photos to view larger images.

The photo below is still one of my favorites. It was taken when he was less than a year old when he would constantly chew on his back paws to the point we thought he'd choke himself. It really shows the quirky side of his personality.

Goodbye buddy and thanks
for the memories!