Saturday, February 26, 2011

Gustifson H. Blakfur's Last Ride...

About fourteen years ago, a very small bundle of fur, with gigantic ears struggled into the shade beneath the awning at Moab Cyclery where Mary was working. Unable to deny the big brown eyes that looked up at her, she took him home and promised her parents that he would be her dog; that she would take care of him. Little did she know that he would be the one to take care of her, and later myself.

From February 2011


About a month ago, Gus stopped eating normally. He had developed Pancreatitus. After a few days in the hospital he came home to us ready to eat and back to being Gus. He would chase his little "sis" Dinka, and we resumed bike riding. All things looked like we had passed the hard times. But a few days ago, he again started to have trouble eating. Pancreatitus is incredibly painful, as it swells inside the abdomen. This time you could visibly see his little belly pushing out. A visit to the Vet last night confirmed our worst fears. He was in a LOT of pain. He would not get better this time.

From February 2011


So we could take him home and have some time to say our farewells, the Vet gave him some meds to help with the pain. It was a hard night for him and us. He knew there was something causing his parents to be very up-set. His main worry was for us, he didn't focus on his pain, only us. He was worried he wasn't doing his "job."

From February 2011

This morning we took some more photo's, let him eat whatever he wanted, and tried not to mope around bursting into tears every few minutes. Gus was not looking good, and we knew why. It was us, his peeps were not in a good way and it was stressing him out. I asked my-self what Gus would want to do on his last day, and it hit me...We had to go for a bike ride.

From February 2011


So we did. At 14 years old, with his pancreas pushing on all his vital organs, our boy dog ran...and he loved it! We rode up Gunnector, hiked a bit, and back down...my little "mob"...Dinka, Mom, Gus and Dad...the family.

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Gus peacefully slipped off to sleep in our arms today around noon. Thus far, topping the list as the hardest moment of our lives.

From February 2011


It's been said that a dog is the only animal that loves its master more than it loves itself. There is no finer example of selflessness than Gustifson H Blakfur. If more humans were like dogs, the world would be a much finer place indeed.

From February 2011


This is one of my favorite pictures of Gus and Us. It's hilarious...classic Gus...always having his butt pointed at the camera. He shall be sorely missed.

To our friends, I want to do some future blog posts about the adventures of Gustifson H Blakfur. Send us an email with your favorite Gus story, however simple or short it might be. There are a lot of stories that haven't yet been told.

8 comments:

  1. You guys gave Gus a wonderful life and the most perfect send off. You did right by him. Thinking of you...

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  2. Gus, I didn't get to know you all that well, but you welcomed me with a smile every time I saw you.
    I'm glad I got to cross your path.
    You will be missed.

    Landon and Mary, my heart goes out to you.

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  3. I don't cry for much, but I'm doing it now. My best to you, Mary and Dinka.

    Gary Mc

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  4. a beautiful tribute to an amazing friend.

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  5. What a great doggie life he had. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Great job sharing this piece.

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  7. Been following your blog for a while now.
    sorry to hear about Gus, The simple tought of loosing my dog balfa is a pain, can imagine yours right now.

    good luck to you.

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