It was almost three years ago he was given just three more months to live. Diagnosed with a fast growing oral sarcoma and no real treatment options, we took him home and determined to love him for as many days as the Lord would allow.
And he surprised us all. He made it to Christmas (answering the prayer of our tender-hearted Poppy girl) and then to the Christmas after that. And then, amazingly, to the Christmas after that.
But recently he’d begun to show some signs of significant discomfort. And he was really struggling to climb up on the couch for his usual snuggles. And, after several falls, walking down the stairs to sleep with the boys became too treacherous. And then we just knew; we’d prayed that God would show us when it was time and He did.
So thankful for every single last day we had with this 75 pound ball of slobbery, in-your-face sweetness.
“Seamus, I love you because you were a great dog. You always helped people – if you thought something was dangerous you barked at it. You are the best dog I’ve ever known.” – Lula
“I love you because you were the best dog in the whole world. You protected us.” – Poppy
“I love you, Seamus, because you’re like a pillow when you’re on the couch. And your tail was funny when you wiggled it.” – Vivienne
“I loved that you came to me when I called and you always tried to do the best you could. I will miss not having you by my side.” – Shepherd
“You were kind, trustworthy and a really-fun-to-play-with dog. I love you so much.” – Jude
“I love you Seamus because you were my first dog. You were thankful for everything you had and I miss you very much.” – Sophie
We celebrated his life with a simple candlelight ceremony. We went around and everyone had a chance to say a few words about what he meant to them. How very special he was. And how much we already miss him.
We placed flowers and handwritten cards alongside him and marked the pile of fresh dirt with a bouquet of child-collected wildflowers.
And then proceeded to bawl our eyes out.
Then we gathered sticks for a bonfire, huddled close under the night sky, shared s’mores and told Seamus stories.
And cried until we laughed, and laughed until we cried.
Somehow, I think Seamus would have liked it that way.
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