A wise ol’ Bear named Winnie the Pooh once said, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” -AA. Milne
There is something so incredibly magical about the unconditional love of a dog that when it is taken away from you it leaves a giant hole in your heart. Recently, my grandpuppy Cash, officially June Carter Cash aka, Cash-a-rooni, made her transition to the rainbow bridge after twelve + amazing years sharing time with her sweetheart.
Cash was a rescue and typical Labrador with OVER exuberance. She pulled me right down on my belly trying to get to the lake when she was a puppy. She loved to swim more than life itself and got into trouble just as much, eating lily pads until she threw up. She stayed at this grandma's house as much as I could possibly steal her, which was very often. She was a bed hog and I would give anything to have to sleep diagonally or curl up in a ball again to make room for her, loud snoring and all.
On a particular weekend when Cash was very young, my daughter was at our cottage. The railing on the balcony was a little lower than a standard one. It was only mid thigh high. We were watching the dogs out the window and chatting, just as my daughter Paige said, “Dogs won't jump off a balcony will they?” I said “No!!” No sooner was it out of my mouth, Cash leapt over the side of the balcony. We ran out the door just in time to see her land in a bush and keep right on running. She was one adorable, crazy energizer bunny.
There was one evening I remember with a laugh. I was working in my studio room on one side of the basement. On the other side of the basement, I kept hearing Cash thump, thump, thumping and bounding all over the basement, which was not unusual for my over exuberant grand puppy. However, this went on for quite some time and caused me to poke my head out. I had a whole box full of tennis balls that I was gifted and I was going to deliver to the shelter. To my surprise I saw at least 50 tennis balls all over the basement. Cash had the happiest look on her face that I have ever seen. I definitely saw a word bubble pop over her head, that said, “Grandma, this is the best day ever, thank you for giving me all these wonderful presents. I am having the best time ever.” Thank goodness she was very gentle about removing each one individually, and celebrating with each ball. I will always get a good giggle when I think about how incredibly happy she was.
I don't know why dogs always want to be with you in the bathroom and Cash was no exception. I have two doors to my bathroom, one to the living room and one to the bedroom. If you shut the one to the living room and the one to the bedroom was open even a crack, Cash would come running around and get into the bathroom wagging her tail with all the joy in the world, thinking how smart she was for finding her way in. I could actually count to three once the bathroom door was shut and know she would be popping her nose right through the other door like clockwork.
Cash was one of those dogs that was kind, loyal and loving. I don't think she had a mean bone in her body. She was best friends to my dog Odin J. and they are now at the rainbow bridge together. When he passed away I did not want to be alone without a dog. I would steal her often and her and I mourned together.
She could exude happiness. You would put your hand on her while she was laying on the bed and her tail would instantly go a million miles an hour. When you took your hand off it would stop, and as soon as you touched her again the motor boat tail would start once more.
Cash was here the 1st day that I brought home my dog Olaf to foster and it was incredible how fast they became best friends. I am certain that Odin J, had a hand in this.
Cash tried so hard to be friends with Raven Kitty even though Raven had to act like she was the boss. Cash gave her the utmost respect. She was so very kind and gentle and would ask Raven in animal language before she ever so slowly climbed on a bed or couch that Raven was residing on.
Cash was a girl who knew what she wanted and was cute enough to get it. Cash liked to bark and talk ALOT. She was my best teacher in helping other dogs learn how to stop talking too much. Cash was very good at taking a toy when she got over exuberant. I also would tell her do her favorite “BAZINGA” which was a tote of balls I would throw treats in. That taught me how amazing redirection actually could be.
If humans could share as much unconditional love and joy as Cash, the world we be even more amazing. She will be my role model and I will hold her lessons close to my heart, “Be kind and BE HAPPY no matter what the circumstance.” She has left a huge hole in this grandma's heart but it is comforting to know that her and Odin J are back in the lake together at the rainbow bridge.
When I look back at the trick dog video we created together, all the photos and paw print art, it reminds me to encourage you to take those videos and take time to make those memories. There is never enough time. I'm so grateful for the time we had and for the moments we took to enjoy the presence of such a beautiful girl.
