Garcon

Yesterday was a sad day for Annie and me. Our Shih Tzu, Garcon, died. When we are told that all of God's creatures, except humans, fulfill the measure of their creation and have joy therein, it is true, and we experience that joy. And with Garcon we experienced that joy for 14 years and 8 months. Of course I will say he was the best dog, a good boy, a real good boy, but it was true, he was our boy. He had been struggling the last year with a curved spine and was having a difficult time walking, but not in pain. And walk he did! He was wearing me out. We would have to go for a walk every 2 hours during the day, rain, cold or sun. On rainy days, he in his yellow raincoat and me in my long black raincoat, would walk up and down the street. All the neighbors knew who we were--an old American with his old dog. 

He had lost his hearing about 2 years ago, and when we would walk by barking dogs, he didn't hear, but if he saw them he would bark back. He had his favorite places to walk, and would always want to walk on the street where there were several of his dog friends who would come to greet him. But he was the toughest dog. He would stumble frequently when he walked and sometimes bump his chin or head on the sidewalk or the curb, but he would just get up and keep walking. 

Notwithstanding his physical limitations, he was doing good, but had a fall and couldn't get up. Annie handed him to me and we both knew that he would not walk again. So Annie called the Vet and we held him until our appointment at 10:30 last night. He seemed to know it was his time. We knew and trusted his vet and she said that she knew the last time she saw him that this could possibly happen soon. It was so peaceful. He just went to sleep. 

I have often wondered what happens to our dogs' spirits when they die. I have heard it said that they don't fear death, and when they pass, they just find themselves somewhere else. They can, however, sense our stress before they die and even in death they are thinking of us, trying to comfort us.

The bonding that seals us together is remarkable, and we will always be thankful that he was sent to our home to live his mortal life. He was so dependent on us for everything, much like we are dependent on God for everything, even though we don't see it the same. If Garcon wanted water, the bowl needed to be full. He couldn't open the fridge and get his own food. He couldn't even open the door and go out. But what he could do was give us his dog-like loyalty and devotion. 

Annie groomed Garcon every night of his life, brushing his hair, his teeth, washing his ears and his eyes and always his peepee which could get so crusty from all the markers he would leave. I would do it when Annie was away, and I think he preferred me because I didn't take the same amount of time, but then again he missed all the love and kisses Annie gave him every time.

We named him Garcon. His sister who died 9 years earlier was named Fifille (pronounced Fifi). In French Garcon means boy and Fifille means little girl. We found them through a friend in St. George, Utah and when we saw them a few weeks after birth, I suggested to Annie that we take one. She said no, but she would take two of them. It was easy to pick them out of the litter and we named them right there.

Years later a French boy was visiting our home in Lehi, Utah. He asked me their names. I told him Garcon and Fifille. He looked at me and asked again 'what are their names?' I told him again. He said I know they are a boy and a girl, but what are their names? It would be like naming them Boy and Girl in the United States. Read here about Fifille.

We logged thousands of miles together on the bike riding the trail along the Jordan River. He loved to ride, but also wanted to get off the bike to run alongside for awhile. So many things to miss, but most of all we will miss his dear face and gentle demeanor, that is, until he saw a bigger dog when he would act like he was ferocious. 

We buried him this morning on Karine and Renaud's farm in Samogneux, France near several dogs and cats which belonged to Karine and Renaud. For a stone, we put a small rock painted by our dear friend Mary. He always enjoyed going to the farm where he could roam, see chickens and be with Naya and Shiva, Karine's dogs. We weren't sure he could make it to France, but he did and thrived here for the last year and a half.

Thanks Garcon for being the best boy.