Showing posts with label Makayla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makayla. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

A Year has Passed

Makayla Memory Corner

A year has passed since Makayla, my faithful friend, passed.  

I think of her every day and sometimes wonder whether I should get another dog? But I know it would not be fair to whatever dog might join our family; he or she could never measure up to Makayla. Finnegan is trying his best to be the big dog in the house.

I created a memory book for Makayla, and I recently made one for Riordin. In that book on the last page is a letter that I wrote to her shortly after she passed. It still brings me to tears, but on this one year anniversary I decided to publish it.

Makayla
(November 8, 2008 - October 10, 2022)


Dear Makayla, 


I miss you. I do not want to forget the 14 years we were together and wish I could say the following to you.


I don’t think I said “good dog” enough, but you were.


You were a great dog and companion. I never realized how much I loved you and appreciated your even temper until you passed. I hope I never forget your special love for not only me but everyone you met.


Why is there such a big hole in my heart? Big enough to drive a train through? Because your heart was bigger than mine and you loved me unconditionally.


You were the best part of me.


I miss sharing my sandwich and toast with you. You always got the last corner. And my eggs and other small scraps. You could eat corn right off the cob and I loved the way you enjoyed eating it. 


I miss saying, “OK kid, let’s go out”


I’m sorry I called you “old woman” as you slowed down, but it was out of respect


I miss your greeting each time I came in the house


I miss the way you used to lay right behind the door—so you could be the first one to greet us as we arrived.


I miss the clacking of your nails on the stairs, and the floors.


I listened for you to come up the stairs last night. 


I miss your piercing look—the look that just effused love and trust. You always seemed to be asking, what do you want to do next?


I miss the way you used to gobble down your morning treat before I served breakfast. 


I want to remember the last time I held you and you relaxed from your labored breathing and then crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 


I want to remember that you were always there. Sometimes underfoot, but definitely my dog. 


I hope I did not let you down at the end. That I was there for you like you were always there for me. 


I miss your fluff.


I miss your dark piercing eyes. 


I miss watching the sun come up while you did your business in the yard.


I miss searching for your poop in the darkness. 


I miss the way you wandered off to the side yard to do your business and sometimes you just seemed to say, "don’t hurry me, we are on my time."


I miss the way you loved the snow. I always laughed at your youthful antics digging and enjoying the cold white stuff.


I miss the the way you snuck around to eat Finnegan’s food when he was through. 


I remember how you loved to walk on the pool cover and pee. It makes me laugh to think of it now, although I did not find it funny then.


Some days when I was working in the garage or around the house, you would just lay in the driveway in the sun and keep a watchful eye on me.


You used to love to go on “road trips.”


I wish I could hold you and scratch your head just one more time. And smell your fur.


We were together almost 14 years and yet, it seems to have passed too quickly. 


Rest in peace my faithful friend and companion. 


Love

Dad



--Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friday, September 8, 2023

And it's Friday

Finnegan at the new Starbucks
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2023

 I'm not even sure why I know today is Friday, except that it is on my watch. 

I've been aware of the excruciatingly uncomfortable weather in the Northeast. While we are seeing 90 degree days here, the humidity is finally down and we once again enjoy being outside. I am happy to be away from the 50-something degree days of the PNW and Alaska and back into the warmth of South Florida. 

I hope that things begin to settle a bit now that we are back and have addressed the elephant in the room, that being Riordin's failing health.

And then there was one
Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022
In an anthropomorphic moment yesterday, I felt as if Finnegan knew something serious was afoot as we carried Riordin, in his carrier, out of the house for the trip to the vet. He made an unusually extraordinary effort to accompany us. Chris had to physically restrain him from charging out the door. I believe he knew something was happening. 

Even after we returned home, Finnegan was strange. He examined the empty cat carrier and immediately began searching for Riordin. It was sad to watch this small dog look in all of the usual places for his pack-mate. He continued looking through bedtime and even made some small noises trying to get Riordin to respond as if they were playing a game of hide-n-seek. I wish there was a way to help him understand. I guess it was easier with Makayla, since she died in my arms at home and both Finnegan and Riordin were there at the moment she passed.

I guess it is the circle of life!

Will there be another cat or dog added to the household? Right now the answer is a solid no. I have the memories of two great friends to sustain me and I always felt bad leaving Riordin alone when we traveled. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday, December 19, 2022

Monday Musings - December 19, 2022

 


1. The third Monday of December has arrived. There is only one Monday remaining in the year! Christmas is less than one week away!

2. Family NFL Report. It was a rough weekend for the family teams. Collectively they went 1-3, ugh, with the 3 likely playoff bound teams all losing! It was a good week to be a 5-8 team.

  Ravens (9-5) lose a yawner to Browns (6-8), 3-13

  Cowboys (10-4) lose to Jaguars (6-8), 34-40

  Steelers (6-8) defeat Panthers (5-9), 24-16

  Commanders (7-6-1) lose to Giants (8-5-1), 12 - 20

3. I am really upset at the NFL. I was prepared to watch the Ravens game on Saturday only to find that I had to buy a subscription to NFLHD. I am beginning to believe that Congress needs to treat the NFL as a monopoly. I dod not, thankfully, watch the game. It is likely that my TV would not have survived.

Finn, Makayla, Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022
Finn and Riordin
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2022

4. I had a moment Saturday night when Chris and I were sitting on the patio enjoying adult beverages and conversation. Finn and Riordin came to the door reminding me of a scene from earlier in the year except that Makayla had been part of the pack on that occasion. I still miss my best dog.

5. Travel week is upon us. We will be heading off to the frozen northlands to celebrate Christmas. It will be good to see family and friends to celebrate the holiday. 

6. Congratulations to Argentina for winning the World Cup. It was a fantastic game and although I was cheering for the French team to repeat, I am not unhappy with the results. Unlike so many other championship games the two stars, Messi and Mbappe, one from each team, showed up and gave a championship worthy performance scoring 5 of the 6 goals recorded in the game. 

7. Today in History. December 19, 1998. After nearly 14 hours of debate, the House of Representatives approves two articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, charging him with lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice. Clinton, the second president in American history to be impeached, vowed to finish his term.

In November 1995, Clinton began an affair with Monica Lewinsky, a 21-year-old unpaid intern. Over the course of a year and a half, the president and Lewinsky had nearly a dozen sexual encounters in the White House. In April 1996, Lewinsky was transferred to the Pentagon. That summer, she first confided in Pentagon co-worker Linda Tripp about her sexual relationship with the president. In 1997, with the relationship over, Tripp began secretly to record conversations with Lewinsky, in which Lewinsky gave Tripp details about the affair.



U.K. Companies Tested by Fallout From Ukraine War - The Wall Street Journal

Hawaiian Airlines Passengers and Crew Injured During Severe Turbulence - The Wall Street Journal

How Trump jettisoned restraints at Mar-a-Lago and prompted legal peril - The Washington Post

An immortal World Cup final rewards Argentina’s Lionel Messi at last - The Washington Post

What to watch for during the January 6 committee's final session - CNN

Freed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout visits occupied Ukraine - CNN

5 people killed in a 'horrendous' condo shooting in Canada, police say - CNN

Russian 'kamikaze' drones hit Kyiv as Putin heads for Belarus - Reuters

Vatican dismisses Trump-supporting, anti-abortion leader from priesthood - Reuters


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Pets and Loss

Makayla as a Puppy: The Mighty Keeshond
Elkridge, MD
January 27, 2009

 So I found out that I am not crazy in my feelings of loss over losing Makayla earlier this week. 

A friend referenced me to a Facebook post that was made a few days ago and now has over 6,600 comments made, mostly, by people grieving over the loss of their dog. 

The post is on the group Life with Animals

The picture accompanying the post is especially touching as it shows a boy/man with his dog in three frames spread taken over the years as they both grew together. 

The text of the post is a letter about loving a dog. It had a special meaning for me and I am including it here:

"They tell you not to cry.
They tell you he's just a dog, not a human.
They tell you it will pass.
They tell you that animals do not know that they must die.
They tell you that the important thing is not to make them suffer.
They tell you that you can get another one.
They tell you it will happen.
They tell you there are more unbearable pains.
But they don't know how many times you've looked your dog in the eye.
They don't know how many times it was you and your dog that looked in the dark.
They don't know how many times your dog was the only one by your side.
They don't know that the only one who hasn't judged you is your dog.
They don't know how scared you were the night his moans woke you up.
They don't know how many times your dog has slept next to you.
They don't know how much you've changed since the dog became a part of your life.
They don't know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don't know how many times you pretended not to see when his hair was getting whiter and whiter.
They don't know how many times you've talked to your dog, the only one who really listens to you.
They don't know how good you were to your dog.
Little do they know that only your dog knew you were in pain.
They don't know what it's like to see your old dog trying to come over and say hello.
They don't know that when things go wrong, the only one who isn't gone is your dog.
They don't know that your dog trusts you, every moment of his life, even at the last moment.
They don't know how much your dog loved you and how little he needed to be happy, because you were enough for him.
They don't know that crying for a dog is one of the noblest, most meaningful, truest and purest things you can do.
They don't know about the last time you rocked him hard ... being careful not to hurt him.
They don't know what you felt when you caressed his face in the last moments of his life"
From dad


I was in awe of the comments and pictures of dogs that the post generated. There are so many others out there that love their dogs like I loved Makayla and that is comforting.

From reading the comments to the Facebook post, I am happy that Makayla passed away at home in my arms with the Chris and our other pets around her and not in the sterile environment of a Vets office. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Monday, October 10, 2022

Good-bye Makayla

 

Makayla
June 3, 2017

It is with much sadness and grief that I report that this morning shortly after 5 AM my faithful, gentle-spirited Makayla crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was in my arms surrounded by Chris and our other pets, Riordin and Finnegan. She was almost exactly 14 years old having been born November 3, 2008.

Good-byes suck! But, I cannot think of a better way to depart as she was surrounded by the entire pack. 

She woke me up just before 5 AM with labored breathing and I carried her downstairs and outside to see if she needed to relieve herself. She could not stand and I knew things had gotten very serious overnight. I went inside and sat with her in my chair and as I held her I felt her relax in my arms and I realized that it was time. I called to Chris and Finnegan and Riordin came as well almost as if they knew. She went peacefully, surrounded by the pack which now mourns her departure.


Christmas Morning 2008
Elkridge, MD

Makayla was a one-of-a-kind dog. She was the most gentle-spirited dog I have ever known. She did not like to play too much, but she was always there to greet me when I came home. She was a surprise Christmas gift from the family. 

Makayla in the Snow
Elkridge, MD
January 14, 2019


She loved snow. I know, we moved her to Florida but she really enjoyed playing in the snow. I used to throw snowballs with her and shovels of snow. She just loved the cold snow and playing in it. Even as an adult, snow brought out the hidden puppy inside of her.

Finnegan, Makayla, and Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge she now rejoins our other family friends who have proceeded her and as Jeremy said, there is another fluff ball in heaven. Keeshonds are very fluffy. 


Me and Makayla
Elkridge, MD
May 12. 2019

Makayla, thank-you for 14 years of unconditional love and friendship. You were the best. Well done my faithful companion.

I hope it is true that all dogs go to heaven.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Wednesday, September 28, 2022

From the Sidelines of Hurricane Ian

 

First, an update on my jury duty experience yesterday. I survived and was not selected to serve as a juror on a trial. They released me just before noon and I was able to spend the afternoon at home preparing for the oncoming storm.



On to the storm. Our area of Southeastern Florida is under a Tropical Storm Warning and not expected to experience the full force of the hurricane. We suffered through tornado warnings overnight as the outer bands of the now Category 4 Hurricane Ian passed. Our portion of Florida is where people from the Gulf Coast were directed as an evacuation destination.

It is raining off and on and sometimes very heavy.  We are seeing winds of about 30 mph right now, but are expecting gusts of up to 70 mph as the hurricane makes landfall later today. Chris and I closed the hurricane shutters last night because of the tornado threat and also because we have large trees close to our windows. 

Our area is NOT under an evacuation order and, therefore, we are not evacuating. The truck, 4 wheel-drive, has a full tank of gas with a 500 mile range and is prepared in case we do need to evacuate.

The most difficult part of the storm so far has to do with the dogs. They are not excited about going outside to do their business. On top of that, Makayla has a stomach disturbance which we are treating with Imodium and plain rice for food. Riordin is a bit freaked out and cannot settle. I opened the patio door shutters and he can at least look outside. That seemed to make him happier.

We will ride out the storm. We are fortunate that it is away from us, but we are still getting winds and rain--although not the same as those on the Gulf Coast in the direct path of the storm. The hurricane is expected to pass both west and north of our location.

The TV coverage is similar to that for a major winter storm in Maryland. We are getting moment by moment reports on the storm's progress and well as tornado reporting as warnings are issued. 

We are calm and doing well. Thank you for all of the concerns we have been receiving. 


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL


Sunday, August 28, 2022

Moving - Watching the Action

Riordin in the Empty Cupboard
Elkridge, MD
August 27, 2022

 Pets are very sensitive to the activities around the house. They get anxious when they see suitcases coming out of closets and being filled with clothes. They are even more anxious now, I believe, trying to understand why the house is empty and all of the places and things they were accustomed to are now gone.

The house is very empty, it echos.

Yet, there is a lot of activity and people coming and going. The activity and people also indicate to the furry friends that we live with that something is happening out of the ordinary. That has made the three of them, Riordin, Finnegan, and Makayla anxious. 

Riordin took the opportunity the climb into an empty cupboard yesterday and keep tabs on the activity. Riordin is generally not far from me. Like now, as I write this, he curled up right next to me on the futon. One of the last remaining pieces of furniture in the house. He will likely freak out on Tuesday as the futon departs along with the last remaining coffee table, end tables, and lamps which have been designated for disposal. At that point the living room will be empty.

The time remaining in the house is growing short, but the transition from a home to  house is effectively complete. 

And the pets are just hoping they don't get left behind. They stay close and remind us of their presence continuously. 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Caught in the Act

Makayla Caught in the Act
Elkridge, MD
August 22, 2022


 Keeshonden (the plural form of Keeshond) are known for being intelligent and devious. Makayla is no exception. She loves to clean-up Finnegan's left-overs, even though she knows she is not supposed to indulge. 

Yesterday, she got caught. Makayla has begun crawling into Finnegan cage to gain access to the left-overs, which sometimes are an entire meal. I usually do not notice it until she has to turn around in the confined space and the commotion alerts me to the crime.  Sadly, I pay the price for her indulgence in the form of, well to be polite, less than formed stools. I hate it when they are messy.

But, back to the story. 

I caught her coming out of Finnegan's cage after licking up the left-overs. She had that deer-in-the-headlights look on her face when she saw me. She fully knew that I was not happy, but she also knew she had won the battle of wills. She will do it again, of that I am sure. Finnegan's food is tempting. It is the cookie jar of dog food for her. And I will catch her with her paws in the cookie jar.

BTW, for those of you who know Makayla, she received a hair cut for the summer. That has made her much more mobile and devious!


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Orioles Dog

 Sadly, the Orioles managed to trade one of my favorite players yesterday, Trey Mancini. 

Makayla, Orioles Fan
Elkridge, MD
August 1, 2022
Baseball is a business, I need to remember that. The Orioles are building for next year and the future beyond that and Trey is 30 years old and that means he is coming to the twilight years of his baseball career. I am happy that he was traded to a contender--although the Astros are a bit of a pariah in baseball because of the sign stealing scandal of a few years ago in which they might have stolen a World Series away from the Dodgers. But, in good news, this may be a late-season "rental" as Trey is a Free Agent and the Orioles may resign him for next year! It would be really cool if the Astros manage to win the Series and Trey gets a ring, returns to the Orioles, and then leads the team to the playoffs or even more! Oops, I'm dreaming again. 

Nonetheless, Makayla and I remain Orioles fans. Makayla even rocked her hat yesterday! I thin she was smiling as I took the picture of her. She likes the straw hat because it protects her ears from the sun and now that she has been shaved, she needs a bit more protection. 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Downsizing - Dog Days

 Aside from being in the middle of the dog days, today is a dog day.

Makayla in Front of the Door
Elkridge, MD
July 28, 2022

Makayla is going to the groomer. We are getting her shaved. I actually do not like to get her shaved, but hew skin has become so sensitive that it is hard to keep her brushed. She looks more like a mop right now than a Keeshond. She is also serving as our dog welcome mat. That is she lies in front of the door most of the day and doesn't even move when we pass by her.

As the downsizing continues, we realized yesterday that we have completed most of the packing prep and and are down to mostly things that we need to keep out until we depart. The Pod arrives in two weeks and that is when everything, including the items already boxed, will get loaded and ready for transfer to Florida. 

Florida seems like a dream now. I have been away so long. It has been cooler there than here. And I miss sitting on the beach for Happy Hour.

This weekend will be different. We are heading to New York for Annual Troy Whittemore Memorial Golf Tournament! At least there will be a change of scenery and I will get to play some golf, or rather the course will get to frustrate me.

And the Dog Days of Summer continue.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Saturday, February 12, 2022

Friends at the Door

 

Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin at the Door
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022
Chris and I enjoyed a quiet Happy Hour on the patio last evening. We talked and sipped wine, but at some point I looked over and noticed that we had excluded the rest of the family from our end of the day celebration. All three of our faithful family members were at the door looking at us as if to say, "Did you forget to invite us?"

Of course we had not forgotten them, we had intentionally excluded them. Sometimes it is nice to sit alone and talk without worrying about one of them wandering off and of course the dogs like to enjoy our Happy Hour munchies. 

We decided that we would end our alone time and go inside rather than. inviting the entire family outside. It was a beautiful evening, however. It was also the end of another great day which included a walk, bike ride, and brunch with friends. 

While our friends at the door were cute to look at, we did not make them wait long before we joined them inside for an evening together. It was a very different Friday evening and one of the few that we spent at home alone with just our family.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Thursday, February 4, 2021

My Dog's Life

Makayla in the Snow
Elkridge, MD
February 2, 2021
I love my dog, Makayla.

She is at the same time a companion and a pest. The have developed an understanding and when she needs something she makes her requirements known. I am generally able to distinguish between wanting more food, needing to got outside, and just wanting another treat. 

She has a good life. 

Makayla Rolling in the Snow
Elkridge, MD
February 2, 2021
She also likes snow!

 She likes the snow a lot. On Tuesday morning she went outside and laid in the snow and just rolled around. I could tell that the old girl, she is 12 years old now, really enjoyed being outside in the snow. She rolled and rolled in the cold white precipitation.

Makayla keeps me grounded and she can be a pain, but when she reminds me of the simple pleasures that life can bring, I remember why I have a dog. 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Serene Sunday - November 2020

 

Today I will take a day off from publishing provocative blogs and write about yesterday's activity. Of course, today is Sunday and that means the NFL will be playing and distracting many people--in a good way, I hope. 

Snow Village 2020

Yesterday was a particularly nice day to work outdoors. Chris and I got the remainder of the outdoors Christmas decorations set up and worked a bit on the Snow Village. This year will be the first for the Snow Village in a number of years. We are setting it up in multiple scenes. 

Makayla
Elkridge, MD
November 21, 2020
While we were working outside, Makayla decided to sit in the yard a be pretty. She was definitely worth a picture. She enjoyed being outside on a beautiful day and she stayed right in the area. I believe that, more and more, she just wants to be with us.

We also managed to go for a walk and went out to do some shopping. We actually drove the Jag for the first time in a while. We kept the top up, but enjoyed the drive. It needs to stretch its wheels every so often. 

I am looking forward to golfing this morning and stretching my legs on the links, but the weather is more gray and cooler than yesterday. 

It is the weekend during a pandemic, however. So stay safe whatever you do.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

A Travesty Occurred


Makayla After Picture
Elkridge, MD
August 18, 2020
While I was at work yesterday, a travesty occurred. My dog, Makayla, went to the groomers to be brushed out and she returned looking like a completely different dog. I was given a long story that she was just too uncomfortable being groomed. Come on--groomers are supposed to be professionals. 

I can tell that Makayla is embarrassed by the way that she looks. 

Makayla with her Mature Coat
Elkridge, MD
March 21, 2018
She looks like a Keeshond puppy. As Keeshonden mature they grow proud coats that are the hallmark of the breed. Losing that coat returns her to the look of an immature puppy. 

Despite assurances to the contrary that she looks cute, she is not cute. She looks less than whole. 

I miss my old dog.

I hope that it grows back before winter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


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