Oakley

“A dog is the only thing on earth 
that loves you more than he loves himself.
Josh Billings (humourist)



 I have been well loved in this life, as I have never been without the company of a dog.
There are many days when I prefer the company of my dog to that of humans.
Dogs are honest, free from ego, and completely non-judgmental.
A dog's love is pure.


I pray that my dogs have felt as much love from me
as I have felt from them.
I have taught them very little... they have taught me very much.


Sadly, yesterday morning, we said our last goodbye to our beloved Oakley.



He found us 8 years ago.
His tail-wagging photo came to my inbox via an email from an animal rescue.
It was a Saturday and he was scheduled to be euthanized on the following Monday.
The only thing known about him was he was an extremely friendly adult dog... 
a favorite amongst the staff at the shelter.
But, he had overstayed his welcome... his 30 allotted days were up.

Our first meeting
I fell in love, long distance... made a telephone plea for him...
and he was loaded on a van for the trip from Kentucky to Pennsylvania the next day.
The rest is history... and an already-written chapter in a book.

Camera-shy Oakley

Dearest Oakley,

A thin veil separates us now, but you finally have your wish.
You wanted to be as close to me as possible... so much so that I often felt you would
crawl right through my skin if you could.
I can no longer hold your big, heavy body in my lap...
but I will hold your loving soul within my heart for eternity.


You taught me many lessons about how to live and how to die.
I feel so privileged to have held your head as you drew your last breath...
so that you were surrounded by the profound love that you so readily gave.

We'll shed our tears over your passing...
and emerge from our grief blessed for having shared these years with you.


Comments

Louise Stopford said…
So very very sorry for your loss. There are no words right now apart from what a wonderful life you have given Oakley. These animals break our hearts, but that's the price we have to pay for them being in our lives and enriching our lives. Thoughts are with you.
GeorgiaHoneyBee said…
Oh I am so sorry! Sending you hugs and warm wishes.
Marcia said…
I am so glad you found each other. Take care.
Kathy said…
You have a gift with words. Well said. And so sad for you.
Dee said…
So sorry. Losing our dogs is losing part of our family.
daisy g said…
Oh my word, Bev. So very sorry for his passing. So, so sad...
May he be blessed in his next life to find you again.
Dee J. Hartman said…
A Commemorative Love Day on Earth and in the Heart and Soul!
Anonymous said…
I am so sorry for your loss.
Anonymous said…
Oh dear... This caused a flash flood from my eyes! Being pain free is a blessing for dear Oakley, a sadness for those who had to say goodbye! ❤️❤️
Marcia in Colorado! Hugs to you!!
The JR said…
I'm sorry Beverly. It's always so hard to let them go. He had 8 years of love from y'all that he would not have known if he had not become a member of your family.
Kathy said…
So very sorry to all who loved him. I will miss seeing him here, but will not forget his beautiful, camera shy face.
Kendalle said…
Bev and Family, deepest sympathy for the loss of your sweet FurBaby Oakley. The hardest thing we are asked to do when we open our hearts to fur family is to make the decision to allow them to pass with dignity, surrounded by love and to peacefully pass to the next when the time comes. Letting go when you desperately want to hold on is greatest of love. Hugs and Prayers. Kendalle
Sally said…
So sorry about Oakley. What a beautiful tribute to him. Brought tears to my eyes.
littlemancat said…
Beautifully written, beautifully felt. Yes, he's just beyond the veil, released from pain, still close to you. So sorry, Bev.
Mary
Kelly H. said…
I saw the post title and had to take a few deep breaths before I clicked. We knew it was coming but it doesn't feel easier that way. The great privilege of loving your animals with you is also losing them with you. Thanks for sharing Oakley with us.
Dear precious Oakley. I know your heart is hurting but what a blessing he was to you. God bless.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
oh bev...i am so very sorry to hear about oakley. i know how awful you are feeling. i can't imagine him being anywhere as wonderful as where he lived these last 8 years. i guess he is in second heaven! hugs!
Oh, how lucky a dog was he to have landed in your loving home.
dustbunny8 said…
Hugs to you on the loss of your beloved Oakley. Our pets teach us so much.
A good journey Oakley as you walk on.
Debbie G. said…
I am so sorry to hear of Oakley's passing. You and Oakley were gifts to each other. I know your heartbreak. Sending you hugs and my heartfelt sympathy.
Anonymous said…
I'am so very sorry for your loss
Laura Sudderth said…
You gave him a wonderful life Bev and family! We all will miss him.
Agent X, not said…
RIP Oakley.....hugs to all.
ninergirl04 said…
Oh my! Sitting here with tears streaming down my face for a dog that was so loving and so well loved. Saying goodbye is the hardest part about loving a great dog but I can't imagine a life without them. Rest in peace dear Oakley. ♥♥
Farewell, Oakley, you good dog and true. My condolences to you and all who loved him.
Gayle from Oklahoma said…
So so sad for you and your family, Oakley will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Marilyn F. said…
Great dogs are soooo hard to lose. You wrote a beautiful eulogy filled with a lot of love and sweet remembrances. Thanks for sharing.
Lynne said…
A real love story . . .
Tears are running down my cheeks. What a wonderful time you had with Oakley. So, so, so painful to lose a family member. Thank you for all the care and love you give to Bee Haven Acres and the creatures and plants that you nourish. Our planet is better because of you.
Portia said…
So sorry. what a great dog. He will be missed, but he will live on in your heart and in your husband's heart. Are the other dogs grieving? I'm sure you are a comfort to each other.
Unknown said…
I understand where you are at right now. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Dakota in January. I now understand the saying, "my heart hurts". She was the most evil, stubborn, friendly, goofy, sassy, sock eating creature I have ever come across. As angry as I would get with her, I never expected it to hurt so much to lose her. Our lives are so quiet now without her woowooing at us every day. I pray for your pain to ease with time and that you will be together again one day.
Steph said…
I am so sorry for your loss! It's always hard to lose such a close friend and companion, but how wonderful that you were able to give him the best life a dog could dream of!
Unknown said…
I can’t express how sad I am for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain. Know that you saved his life and that he was ‘drop lifted’ into his wildest dream heaven when he came to you. Best wishes my friend.
diane in northern wis said…
I just saw this now, Bev. My deepest condolences to you and your family in the loss of your beautiful Oakley. What a splendid pet he was for you. You were both blessed in so many ways. May your beautiful memories of him continue forever.