Friday, March 11, 2011

MAJOR ANOUNCEMENT!!

On Bear's behalf, the Editorial Committee for this blog is relaying news of a major development.

It concerns Her Ladyship, Miss Sadie, Duchess of St. Swythun's Punt-on-Thames, Duchess of Cardigan and Wooly Boots, and (by Royal Appointment) Guardian of Offa's Dyke. Miss Sadie, Bear's long-time and faithful companion, is parting company with Bear. This decision has been initiated by Bear.

Her Ladyship has released the following statement (which is also to be found on her blog).

By time you read this, I will have moved to a new home and new family!

I have a big brother, who is a Malamute, and who is twice my size. His name is Dugan. I've also got a sister — a black Standard Poodle just like me, but about six years older than me. Her name is Willow. My new master is a veterinarian, who really loves Poodles. So this is going to be a very good thing. At least I think. I hope.

"But where is Bear?" you ask. Bear and J are "moving house." They're leaving their house a block from the river, and moving into an apartment in a building on the opposite river bank. It's a mile or so downriver from where they have been living, and right across from downtown. But one of the rules is that people cannot bring animals with them. I cannot come.

I realize all of this is peculiar, so I'll explain.

At least some of you, maybe all of you, realize that Bear has been getting sicker since last fall. Last weekend, he spent some time in hospital.

For many years Bear has suffered quite a bit of pain, from several "misadventures." Since last fall, the chronic physical pain has has been getting worse, which simply added to the emotional pain of his chronic depression. 

So when he was briefly out of hibernation a while ago, he explained things to me, and we had a good cry together. Just taking me for a walk, on my lead, hurts his neck, and shoulder, and back so badly that he has to take strong medications and lie down when we're finished. And when we play fetch in the back yard, he hurts so badly that he has to lean on his grandchildren's play house in order to stand up.

I had no idea that looking after me, and doing things with me, was hurting Bear so badly!

And that's when he said he had found a new home for me. And that's why he and J are moving. They'll be in an apartment, so he doesn't have to look after the yard, and trees, and gardens, and so he doesn't have to keep up with the house repairs.

I really don't want to leave Bear. I don't want him to leave me.  And I'm sure he doesn't want us to part. But I guess neither of us can help that. As Bear would say, "You win some, and you lose some, and some get rained out."

Good-bye, friends.

Good-bye, Bear! Gonna miss you!


Two members of the Editorial Committee, Frank Serif and Mary Italic, accompanied Miss Sadie to her new home. They are happy to report that Miss Sadie received a warm and enthusiastic greeting from all but Dugan, who growled at her when they first met, and paid little attention to her after that. We trust Miss Sadie will be a long and happy relationship with her new family (despite Dugan's initial response). Indeed, Sadie was so busy playing with Willow she did not see the Editorial Committee members leave.

16 comments:

Natalie said...

I am so sorry Bear. *tears*.

Bear's Editorial Committee said...

® Natalie: Sniff. Sigh. Thank you!

Helen said...

Oh ... reading this broke my heart.
We love you Bear ........

The Blog Fodder said...

Some things good single malt just can't fix. Do you and Miss Sadie have visiting rights, Bear? Hard to leave a house, especially in such a lovely location, after so many years but it was time, I guess. Vso budit khorosho. All will be well.

Jean said...

Poor Bear, I am so sorry to read that you are so ill and also that Sadie has had to be re-homed as a consequence.
It would break my heart to have to give up my Lulu so I can only imagine how you must feel. (Sad but also relieved?)
I do hope she will be loved and cared for in her new family. Also that your move helps to make life easier for you.

Wendy said...

Sad news but better to take this action now. Sending lots of healing and positive energy to all. I do so hope you can visit one another. Blessings ♥

Amanda Summer said...

i am so sorry to read this, bear - you and sadie made such a good team. i hope you will be able to visit each other often. i'm also sorry to hear you had to spend time in the hospital last weekend. what a lot to struggle with at the same time - i pray that healing comes your way.

blessings on the journey ahead of you. sending love and hugs,

amanda

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh no! These are difficult and necessary decisions at certain times, and nobody likes them. But dogs tend to get over these attachments, something in them lets them enjoy the new digs quicker than we would. So, Bear, cheer up. You'll be closer to services and your life will get easier. Depression needs attention; and I do hope you're getting it.


You'll miss your old river life; you'll miss Miss Sadie; but, you are prepared for the next stage and have moved on too.

I congratulate you; some of us just don't know when to move on. You've been brave and strong; you've been all the things you could be to everyone.

Now, it's time to ease up and make it easy on yourself, whatever way you can.

Stay in touch, friend. You are missed.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Bear, I am touched and sad and a bit worried. Please take care of yourself and know that we love you and wish only the best for you.

It is so sad that Miss Sadie cannot go with you but I know she understands and will be find in her new surroundings. I hope that the two of you will have some special reunions.

Please be well, and know that there are many who care about you, so far away.

Big, giant, bear-hugs,
Genie

Frances said...

Oh, what a tough decision. And I am sure that you all really thought and thought about it.

Best wishes to Sadie in her new home with those rambunctious mates.

Bear, best wishes to you and J in your new home. I do hope that you all will have an easier time of it, as spring grows closer.

Here in the States, we lose that hour tonight ... daylight savings time begins. Bring on that sunshine.

xo

potsoc said...

Bear take care of yourself and keep going even if the going is tough. The wife and I had to give up our lovely Val-David to come live closer to our brood. we still long for our mountains but we have gained mountains of love in exchange.
At least, I understand that you will still see the river without the toil that goes with it.
May you get better and keep us informed.

Anonymous said...

Woof. Beau just finished writing to Her Majesty and we both are feeling SO BAD for her. Now, where you're concerned, I wonder how much of what I did, helped you make your decision. Tell me it did. Because I need to feel that important in the decisions YOU make.

Joe is "home" and with my sister, and I'm feeling all icky and sad and sentimental and....oh yipes...I miss my sister SO MUCH. Without her...well...I need her in my life but it came to the point where I had to go.

Now you know what it's like. There just COMES A TIME...

Anonymous said...

Woof. Beau just finished writing to Her Majesty and we both are feeling SO BAD for her. Now, where you're concerned, I wonder how much of what I did, helped you make your decision. Tell me it did. Because I need to feel that important in the decisions YOU make.

Joe is "home" and with my sister, and I'm feeling all icky and sad and sentimental and....oh yipes...I miss my sister SO MUCH. Without her...well...I need her in my life but it came to the point where I had to go.

Now you know what it's like. There just COMES A TIME...

French Fancy... said...

Bear - you did the right thing. You gave Sadie and her sister the best start in life and you had the sense to downsize when things were getting too big for you - it is all too easy to just carry on, to think that things will be easier the next day but, where health is concerned, we need to take action sooner rather than later.

I am pleased that you and J are moving (well, have moved now, no doubt) and you will still be near your beloved river. From the sound of it Sadie will have a grand time with so many doggy playmates.

Thinking of you bear

Suburbia said...

:-(
xx

Lydia said...

I went back through your archives to learn more about who Miss Sadie is. No wonder you miss her this year when you are feeling depressed. Is she close enough for you to go visit her? I hope so. You need a big doggie kiss about now. :)