The Ending of An Era

"Until one loves an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

Today we said goodbye to our loving, faithful companion of 13 years.

Thirteen years. It's amazing the memories that accumulate in those thirteen years. I was looking back in one of my scrapbooks from years ago where I wrote "I can't imagine our life without Avery" and indeed, I cannot. There is so much history, so much love, so much of our life that has been lived with this one dog. It is the end of the Avery Era.

The Avery Era started before I was around. John wanted a puppy, and got Avery a few months before we met. I remember when John was gone all day for Jonathan and Missy's wedding, and when we came back home, he had chewed a hole in the sheetrock, right off the wall. He was bored. Lesson learned.

The Era continued through many moves - to Texas, Idaho, Georgia and Tennessee. I remember Avery was always very hot in Texas, and then when we moved to Idaho the snow always made him frisky. Avery was a very friendly dog, and very sweet natured, so if you knew us at in any of these states, you probably can recall Avery quite well. He was always around, demanding your attention for about 30 seconds and then he was content to lay at your feet.

(Avery's First Shave, 2004)

He loved to carry things, but rarely chewed anything up. He was especially fond of shoes, and if you came over to our house and took your shoes off, rest assured Avery would carry it off to another part of the house, leaving you searching when you were ready to leave. When he did chew up something, we could tell as soon as we came home. He had a guilty look that would crack us up. Sometimes we would say "Avery! What is this?" just for fun because we wanted to see the guilty look appear.

 (John and Avery, this morning)

Avery and I used to play chase, and he would get so excited he would start barking at me (which, if you knew Avery, you know is rare). Avery was very easy going and tolerant, but I remember two times in his life that he became Pit Bull Avery, a side rarely seen. On both occassions, he thought that someone was trying to harm me, and he came at them, teeth bared and growling. Can you imagine? It was certainly not a side Avery showed to many people.

(me and Avery, this morning)

The Era changed a little on the arrival of Ansley. Avery was tolerant of her, though, and while he was still John's biggest fan, the two of them became buds. Especially when Ansley learned that food got his attention pretty quickly.

(Ansley and Avery, 2004)

Then with the arrival of Christian, things changed even more. As Avery has gotten older, he continued to mostly prefer adults to children. And, I am sad to say, as Avery got older and with the addition of kids, it became increasingly difficult and frustrating to have an aging dog with young children. I wasn't always as patient or loving as I wish I would have been. I am sure Christian won't remember Avery, but Ansley will - she is sad and has asked a lot of questions today.

(Avery and Ansley, this morning)

We knew this morning when John went to check on him that today was the day. We took him to the vet, already knowing what was coming, and one of the employees took the kids for us while John and I said goodbye. To say that we were crying would be an understatement. It was a first for me, being present while they put him to sleep, and it was difficult. But the last thing he saw was John on one side and me on the other, so I think he was comforted.

And so the Avery Era ends. It is sad - but sad isn't even the right word, it's more than sad. It's the loss of a friend and wonderful dog.  We knew this day would come, as does every pet owner, I suppose you are just never prepared when it does happen. And we're not quite prepared for the void he has left behind.

Here's to you, Avery Dog, Poopy-Doopy, the (Original) Boy, Poopy-One-Kanobe, Ave, Avery-Bagavery, Fluff-Butt. We cherish your era, your "reign" in our family. We love you. You are missed.

Comments

[MiMi]

I will miss Avery. He was such a good dog and I have many happy memories with him in the picture. Like Ansley said, he wasn't just a dog, he was part of our family and we will miss him greatly.

[Desta]

I'm crying as I read this sweet tribute to your 'first boy'. I know from experience, unfortunately, how incredibly hard it is to be there in the room when your pet, your family member, is put down right in front of you, and 'hard' or 'difficult' just don't come close to explain as you said. I am so sorry for your loss. Though I've lost cats before and had to put them down (equally as hard for a cat lover as myself), we've yet to lose a dog that's been part of the family for so long as Avery was, since Gracie is our first dog ever and is only not quite 4 years old. I can't imagine that day when it will inevitably come however. I do remember your sweet Avery, and his love for shoes! I remember more than once searching for mine upon leaving your house! :) He was a very sweet dog and just a good boy! Very Sweet, and I'm sure bittersweet, pictures of you all with him yesterday. I can't help but think that your Dad is taking very good care of him now!

[Christina]

Oh, Megan... I feel for your family right now. My heart is aching, my eyes are filled with tears. I know the last few months with Avery led you to know this moment was coming. But you are right, you are never prepared for the time it actually happens. I am glad that you all thought to take pictures with him before taking him in. You will be so glad that you did, and will treasure that you got to remember saying your goodbyes. It will be hard for a time, your house will echo with quietness. But the years of memories are sweet, and will slowly replace the sadness over time. Our love to you and your family during this difficult time.

[Renee]

Megan, I cried reading this because we also have a 13 year old buddy Jonah who has had some tough times lately. You will treasure these pictures and goodbyes. I will be praying for your family as you miss Avery. Renee

[Ashley]

Mark and I are so sad and know this will be hard - we'll be praying for your transition as a family. It will be strange to visit and not smell his farts amongst our late-night chats :) He was such a good dog.

[Kimberly]

I am crying too! We remember Avery as well, and he was such a sweet dog. I know a piece of your family feels missing.

[Jonathan]

Missy and I were very sad to hear the news. He was such a sweet dog. We will miss him a lot.

[Sara]

I told Tim this too and we are both so sorry to hear this. We will miss seeing Avery when we visit. I'm sorry Megan.

[ReNee]

AW - I remember Avery. What a sweet pup he was when you were here. I remember Laura really enjoyed playing with him and he always wanted pet and loved on. That is so sad for you all. We just lost one of ours too and I understand how hard that is.