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A short story about the death of a beloved pet Bucky
Carrie's heart was not ready to move on without Bucky at her side.
Carrie was walking aimlessly down the winding boulevard on the deserted beach. She was holding an empty leash in her hand. Bucky her beloved Scottish Terrier had died three weeks ago. He was fourteen and terribly crippled with arthritis. She just couldn't seem to let go . He was the first thought that entered her mind when her tired eye's opened in the morning. She remembers the endless strolls along the beach. The early morning stops at Starbucks for her java fix and the beef jerky that Bucky loved so much.
Her heart was not yet ready to move on without him beside her.
Oh, she wasn't blind, she'd seen some adorable puppies and beautiful dogs but they were not Bucky.
She ambled slowly over to their favorite bench by the ocean, looking out at the waves only made her feel more despondent. Tears started to well. She was completely unable to get a grip on her emotions. The sadness of losing her best friend refused to go away.
Suddenly a small white Pomeranian appeared out of the blue. She checked, he had no ownership tags of any kind. He had a thorn stuck in his front paw. Matted blood was visible on the walk where he stopped to lick his wound.
Carrie jumped to her feet, rushed over to the injured puppy and attempted to remove the thorn but it was embedded too deeply. The pain was apparent in his sad blue eye's. She swooped him up in her arms and literally ran five blocks to her veterinarian's clinic.
Her vet. Hank was really pleased to see her. He'd been concerned for her well being since Bucky's death. He allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder while he administered the lethal injection to free Bucky's constant pain.
It felt good to see her interested in another animal. He'd watched her depression deepen over the past weeks..
He assured her that he could remove the thorn without pain by giving a pain- alleviating medication. He quickly removed the thorn and applied a thick absorbent gauze bandage. Carrie asked him how much she owed him and he responded by saying, " Nothing my friend, seeing you care for another animal is payment enough.
He told her that he would keep the puppy overnight to make sure there were no further complications. He then surprised her by asking, " Don't you think we should give this little fella a name? " Carrie thought for a minute and said, " Oh yes, let's name him White Thorn."
The next morning Carrie awoke early. Her first thought was White Thorn. She dressed hurriedly and practically ran the five blocks to see if he was ok. Her eye's searched each cage until she saw a little white bundle curled up in a ball. She spoke, " White Thorn, are you awake? " He stretched and held out his injured paw as if to say, " See my paw, thorn all gone. "
Like a bolt of lightening, her mountain of pain left her. All she wanted was to hold her new baby.
They went shopping that day at the local Petsmart. She bought a bed and warm fuzzy blanket, toys and treats, of course she bought beef jerky and sure enough he loved it.
Both were exausted when their shopping spree was over. When Carrie sat down in her lounge chair she held out her arms, Thorn made one giant leap into her arms, licking her nose before settling down for a quiet nap. As Carrie watched him sleep she was positively sure she saw a contented smile on his sweet puckered lips.
This short story is dedicated to my sweet friend Maria ( Mar ) who lost her pet and best friend, Aunt Baby after ten years of unconditional love.
Comments
Oh you beautiful woman,
I was already sobbing and then read the dedication. What a beautiful story, my dear Ruby. I miss my Baby girl every day and this story gives me hope that my own 'White Thorn' is waiting for me someday soon.
Thank you, sharing...Love, Maria
Awww, the perfect story for me to end my day with. No pet owner can read this without crying. :)
what an emotional charge... wow my dog is near end and this didnt help.. although I loved it voted emotional and awesome
Ruby, I was so sad until White Thorn came into the picture. This is absolutely beautiful that this is dedicated to Maria.
Thumb-up UABI and shared.
Blessings to you
Shyron
What a lovely tale of love lost and found. It's a sad thing to lose a friend but I believe Bucky sent Thorn to ease Carrie 's pain. :) Blessing to Maria, she may never find another Baby girl, but there are many little friends out there who are looking for a big generous heart filled with love.
Ruby, this is a beautiful story, loved it.
Morning Ruby.
What a nice way to start a day. Opening up my lap top and having such a beautiful story to read.
Is it aloud that men can shed a tear or two, because I certainly did.
A lovely dedication to your friend Mar.
Take care.
Ghaelach
Oh this is truly beautiful Ruby and I am sure so appreciated my Mar. My heart goes out to Mar for her loss also. Lots of love from Wales to you both.
Eddy.
What a beautiful story, Ruby. I'm sure this brought tears to Maria's eyes. How very sweet of you to write this for her.
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Oh Mar, I'm thrilled that you liked this. I'm sorry i made you cry. I wanted you to know there is another Aunt Baby out there. Jo's comment, " Bucky sent Thorn to ease Carrie's pain. " Aunt Baby will do the same. I believe one day you will see a dog/puppy that will fill Aunt Baby's void. I love you dear friend.
The story is cool but the motive is sweeter. I like that. Dogs are truly loyal and devoted. In my book, My Guru Sri Chinmoy: Life And Teachings, I mentioned my grandfather's dog while growing up in the Caribbean. Great Presley video.
This was sweet on so many levels and it touched a chord in my heart reading it. Such a wonderful motive in writing it to possibly comfort Maria at this time. No pet ever takes the place of another...our hearts just enlarge to embrace the new ones while we still love the ones who have passed on to heaven. Sharing this!
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Hello Bill. Such a sweet comment. Thank you so much..
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Hello Frank. It's a shame that time is so much shorter for our pets. I hope yours will stay strong. Thank you for an emotional comment..
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Hello Shyron. I know it was sad at first but you know me, i love happy endings. Thank you so much for sharing...
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Hello Jo. I love your comment about Bucky sending White Thorn to take his place in Carrie's heart. You are such a sweet friend. Thank you so much...
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Hello Ghaelach. It is perfectly ok for a man to shed a tear, proves you have a kind heart. Thank you so much...
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Hello Eddy. Thank you for a beautiful comment. I'm thrilled you liked my story. Hugs...
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Hello Shauna. For a great story teller such as you to think mine is beautiful is heartfelt. Thank you so much..
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Hello manatita. I didn't know you grew up in the Caribbean Islands, it must have been wonderful. Thank you for always looking beyond the surface into deeper meanings. You are a dear friend.
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Hello Peggy. It's good to see you again. Your comment about our heart's ability to enlarge to embrace another pet when it dies and goes to heaven made me smile BIG time. Thank you for coming by...
What a beautiful and loving story Ruby. I hope that your friend Maria found a replacement like the one in the story did. I loved it and I voted it up, shared it and pinned it.
Kevin
Ruby, this is such a loving and thoughtful hub you wrote for your friend Maria. I cried for Maria's loss then cried when White Thorn came to her, then cried again with Elvis' song. Remembering my beloved Yorkie I lost yeas ago also brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful hub. Voted up and shared.
Loved this one, Ruby. This was the perfect story of love lost and found. I enjoyed every word, and knowing it was dedicated to our dear sweet friend, Marcoujor, it really had deep meaning. What a beautiful tale.
Voted up and awesome. A delightful story full of passion and understanding. Love that song. Passing this on.
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Hello Kevin. I hope so too. I know there is another critter waiting for her to find it. So happy you enjoyed. Thank you for sharing and pinning.
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Hello Phyllis. You had the same emotion i had when i listened to the song. My brother Fred had a dog named Old Shep. My brother passed away about ten years ago and i love to think they are together again in heaven. So sorry you lost your Yorkie. Thank you for sharing..
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Hello Peg. It was so much fun writing this, hoping it would ease Mar's pain. I'm so glad you enjoyed. Thank you so much...
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Hello Rasma. Thank you for the awesome comment. So glad you liked the song. My man Elvis, what can i say? I love him dearly. Thanks for passing this on....
Beautiful story and I like it. Thanks, Ruby...for writing and sharing. Voted up and have a good day!
Prasetio
Beautiful sweet story and I love that you dedicated it to Maria, who I fervently hope finds her "White Thorn" one day.
Hugs & Love,
Gail
I swear that photo of the little white dog looks just like my dog, Baby! No dog lover will be able to read this without crying; I sure did!
My hubby was a Vet. and he would have done the same thing: NO charge.
Beautiful. Voted UP, shared all around.
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Hello Prasetio. Always good to see you. I know you're not writing on HP anymore and i miss you. Thank's for coming to read my story...
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Hello Gail. I hope so too, she will i'm sure. It takes time. Ten years is a long time to love a pet. Thank you for stopping by...
Hugs and love!!
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Hello Mary. I don't think we've meet before. Thrilled that you liked my story. Thank you for coming by. I just read your piece on racism in the south. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for the follow. Happy to follow you.
I completely relate to this story. My dog, RuRu died last month after 12 years together and I'm still at a loss for words. Reading this just brought floods of tears in my eyes and I can barely look at any dog without crying. Yesterday I couldn't even be bothered to get out of bed knowing Ruru is no longer here. Nice tribute and tell your friend she's not alone, I'm there too so we can console each other :)
What a beautiful heart warming story Ruby, and I noticed that you dedicated it to Maria, I read that she had lost hers, I am so sorry, but this was wonderful, nell
Hello Ruby - You did a nice job wringing out the emotion of losing a beloved pet and the joy of finding a new furry friend.
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Hello Aneegma. So sorry for your loss, twelve years is a long time. Maybe you will find the perfect one again. Thank's for sharing your thoughts, and thank's for the follow...
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Hello Nell. So glad you enjoyed my story. Here's hoping Mar finds her White Thorn soon. Thank's so much..
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Hello Mike. Happy you liked my story. I loved writing it. I miss seeing you on HP. I'm ready for another great story. Smiling...
A beautiful story Ruby. It is always sad to lose a pet. I have been through it more times than I care to remember. "Old Shep' sung by Elvis Presley is a tear jerker too. Voted up.
Hi Ruby…
Such a beautiful, heartwarming story and tribute to Maria and Aunt Baby. Your words brought tears to my eyes long before the ending sentence. I so loved this tale. Voted up and sharing. :-)
Beautifully told story. We lost our beloved cat 2 1/2 weeks ago and are still a bit in shock over the loss. She had not been ailing, so there was no warning--no opportunity for a last 'goodbye'. She simply had a heart attack and she was gone in an instant. Anyone who has lost a loved pet will find comfort in your story. Thank you for sharing.
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Hello Jodah. I too have lost a pet and it is heartbreaking. The song is a tear jerker for sure. Elvis has a way of touching my heart. I miss him badly. Thank you for coming...
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Hello Genna. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. So happy you enjoyed, and thank's for sharing...
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Hello Carb Diva. Nice to meet you. I can imagine how difficult that must have been, losing a pet so suddenly. I'm glad you found comfort with this story. Thank you for telling me.
Ruby, what a charming story especially for Mar! I so wish we humans could accept the death of our beloved pets without suffering the consequential emotional pain. I hope with all my heart Mar will soon find a successor for Aunt Baby.
The English says "long live the queen/king" even directly after a reigning king/queen has blown out their last breath. Because a successor is already ready to be crowned. So we may say: "Long live our beloved pet."
"Long live Mar's beloved Aunt Baby!"
No-thorn could become White Thorn's new name, don't you agree?
Hugs!
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Hello Martie. I know how much it hurts to lose a pet. I lost Blackie and it broke my heart. My sister Bea had a little dog named Dinkie who died when he was fourteen. she buried him in her back yard and covered his grave when it snowed. She really never got over losing him. I think No-Thorn would be a perfect name. Thank you..Hugs...
I really sad story of Bucky. I also had a dog it was killed by one of my cousin. He hated him a lot. I was shocked that my dog died that day. And it made me very sad. I voted for you.
Hi Ruby,
Just wanted to stop by with a bit of a new leash on life... thanks to a 'plucky, dark and handsome' young man named 'Andy Jordan'.
I think Aunt Baby would be thrilled with her baby bro, a sweet Black Labrador Retriever...about 5-months old.
The comment stream is so very comforting and supportive. May I also offer my condolences to imtii ... I cannot imagine your shock and sadness about this loss and I am wishing you peace of mind at this time.
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Hello imtii. I am so sorry you lost your friend. How anyone could kill a dog through hate is a mystery i will never understand. Stay strong and love another pet. Thank you for sharing...
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Hello my sweet Mar. I am thrilled beyond words that you've found Andy. He is a lucky doggie. I hope you will write about him and have lots of pictures. I can feel your upbeat vibe. Happy day! Love you dear friend..
So sweet. Having recently lost a pet, I can certainly relate. I, fortunately, had 3 more at home! up+
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Hello btrbell. Nice to see you again. Good for you, animals are so sweet and in need of a good home. Thank you so much...
How sweet I was almost afraid to read the end for fear that little bit of a pup was reclaimed by an owner.
The loss of a pet can be devastating for sure.
Thank you for the uplifting story
Angels are on the way to you this morning from beautiful Florida ps
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Hello Patricia. I'm so glad you liked my story and thought it was uplifting. Thank you so much...
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