Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

After months of not writing, I am back on the blog-wagon. Teaching this year was great and very busy, so now that I have some time to relax, I am dusting off my keyboard and hitting the blog. Today’s writing is about our faithful dog, Asher, who we had to say goodbye to back in April.

Affectionately known as “Old Man Asher”, or as I often called him, “Old Wiener”, we had to say goodbye to our first Dachshund on Friday, April 28. His health was steadily declining and we knew that he was headed on a downward spiral. His spunk was mostly gone, but yet his stubbornness (which defined him throughout his lifetime) persisted until the end.

Today’s blog is dedicated to Asher, our kind-hearted, determined, and faithful Dachshund. I hope you are enjoying sitting on someone’s lap in heaven, and hopefully not chewing on a sock…

Ash

When I first met Asher, or “Ash” as my wife called him, he was a tiny wiener on a mission – to do whatever he pleased. In 2013, I was dating my wife, and she already had him. He was just a young pup and doing what young puppies do best – mischief. Whether it was being lost in the bottom of a twin bed – wrapped up like a hotdog in a bun. Another time he was walking with a pair of underwear draped across his head – the dog was destined for intimacy.

He LOVED a good cuddle. The instant someone’s bum planted on a couch, chair, or bed, he was like a rocket to use you as his personal cushion. Yes indeed, any time I tried to do a sit-up on the floor (which didn’t happen all that often, mind you) he crawled up my body and planted his rear-end on my stomach or chest. He was always on the lookout for a comfy spot.

When Melissa and I decided to get married, we knew that he would an attraction during the reception (besides Melissa of course 😉)

Patiently whining and yelping in the car (he never liked vehicles), his time had finally come. He strolled into the reception at the country club, with a custom made black tux and a tiny black top hat. Between the laughs, chuckles and audible compliments on his attire, he stole the show.

Yet even though he loved being the center of attention, he also loved to be around others. When our first son was born, Asher would always sit next to him on his jungle mat. Sure, it was a comfy seat, yet he grew attached to Benaiah throughout his infant and toddler stages.

Whether B was in a Jolly Jumper or sitting in his activity seat, all of our pictures have Asher sat right next to him, as if guarding or protecting him.

When we went through difficult times, the loss of loved ones or days of sickness, he was always near to our bedside or wanting to curl up in our laps – offering warmth and love.

We then added another Dachshund to our family, Levi. His fur looked just like a seals, and Asher accepted him immediately as his personal bed-warmer and body-throw. There was no questioning their body: where Asher went, so did Levi.

As more children were added to our family, our time for the dogs lessened more and more, as the demands for attention from our children grew. Yet thankfully, Asher always had Levi, our other miniature Dachshund – who really ain’t that miniature. Twice Asher’s size in brawn (not brains), Levi would come barreling down the hall, shaking the floor as his chunky, flabby seal-looking body made his presence known. Both dogs absolutely loved each other, and Levi only ever knew Asher to be there with him. Even right up till the end, Levi licked Asher all over, and would spoon into him during the nights to keep him warm. They were inseparable – unless you had peanut butter for Asher that is.

Right until the end of his life, Asher was determined not to give up. At 13 years old, his legs failed him, and when I arrived home from work one day, I realized the situation had gone from bad to worse. I stayed with him on the floor for 15 minutes before Melissa got home. He then made one last go, standing to his feet, and then fell over. 

Determined right to the end. 

Levi is snuggled into my side as I write this post, and it feels strange not to have Asher on the other side. 

The CBS Animal Hospital were amazing to deal with, as they quickly got us in, and helped us through the difficult time. We buried Asher on the back of our property, in a place that is well-visible and will have lots of sunshine (if our Newfoundland weather cooperates), which he loved dearly.

I have to admit, I’ve never been a real lover of animals, like a passionate owner. Yet I will say this – Asher was special and a one-of-a-kind dog. He meant a lot to my family, and he will be missed from The Eason Clan. 

Until we see you again Old Man Weiner,

Christian