Elijah - Colored Pencil Drawing

"Elijah" Colored Pencil

It's been ten years since we lost Elijah. He became so sick we had to have him put down. It was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking experiences of my life. They said "He was just a dog," but he was more than that. He was my best friend. We climbed some of Colorado's highest peaks together. I opened my heart wider than I ever had before. He would have died for me, I know it.

There is no creature on earth more unconditionally loyal than man's best friend. Our faithful Sheltie proved that. It was tough at first but children and time healed the wound. They said "Get another one," but it was too painful. I had a decent excuse, my youngest son has allergic reactions to most animals including dogs and cats. They said "It's Colorado, dog capital of the world," but I just couldn't do it.

After a decade of goldfish, hermit crabs, Russian tortoises and gentle prodding, I've finally relented. I shouldn't punish the children for my pain. They said "There's nothing like a boy and his dog," but I know that better than anyone. I guess it's time.

Welcome to the family, Oskar the Schnorgi. He's a two-month-old Miniature Schnauzer / Pembroke Welsh Corgi mix. We got him from up on the Willow Creek Ranch. He's an extremely affectionate lap dog with a playful personality. Hypoallergenic and non-shedding, our little designer breed has made himself right at home. Here we go again. Happy birthday to me.

Welcome Oskar the Schnorgi

He has made himself right at home

Here we go again

Comments

  1. EvalinaMariaNovember 9, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Excellent decision! Your drawing of Elijah is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerNovember 14, 2013 at 10:58 PM

      Thank you. It feels right now. The kids are very excited and the puppy is fitting right in. Hopefully Oskar will have a long, healthy and happy life.

      Delete
  2. Zoey Francis (Pen Name) / Marianne Seavers November 14, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    Hi Dan,

    What a touching and loving tribute. I can relate. We had a cat in my family since he was first born. He was there through so many years of changes in our lives. When I was in my mid 20's, he became very ill, in large part due to his age. After the second vet told me there was nothing more that they could do for him (he could barely eat and was wasting away), I made the decision to put him to sleep. At that point, he was my cat because I was the only one caring for him. It was difficult, to say the least. He was family to me. I asked the vet to come to the house instead, because it was traumatic for him to go to their office. It's been over fifteen years, but some things stay with you for life. It's because of our ability to care that makes it so.

    Zoey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerNovember 14, 2013 at 11:12 PM

      Thanks so much Zoey, your comments mean a lot. This was a tough one. I'm sorry to hear about your cat. It's funny how a pet can become such a loving member of the family. I didn't think I'd ever be able to bring another dog in but I think it will be good for the kids. I'm glad we did it even though it's more work, it's like having a baby in the house again. I look forward to seeing you on twitter.

      Delete
  3. HectorMarch 24, 2021 at 1:52 AM

    What a heart touching story. it made me realize how much I love my blue nose pitbull. He is the best companion of mine. By the way, the drawing is so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

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