We could all be so lucky to touch as many people as Ike did in his nine years.
Here’s my story as told by my dad...
After nine years of living his life to its fullest - on Sunday, June 30th, 2002 at about 3:30 in the afternoon, amongst loving family and friends - dogs included - we helped Ike let go. We decided, with Ike's help, that he had had enough and it was time. He was very sick and weak after a two week battle with liver cancer and, although he wouldn't show it, in a great deal of pain. So, Sunday morning Robyn, Benson (his little brother) and I began assembling a cedar bow bed and an Alter that included things that we hoped would comfort Ike - two balls, a cookie (he probably would have wanted more), flowers, candles, puppy collars, photos, and numerous other momentous that had played a role in his wonderful life. We gathered everything on a rock face that was in our back yard and, for the rest of the day Benson took up guard on that rock not wanting anyone or anything to disturb it. After nine years with Ike, I was no longer surprised by the innate ability of dogs to understand fully the goings on of their surroundings. Benson knew exactly what was up. He knew that later that day his friend Ike would be leaving forever. And, this small gesture of respect was the least he could do for someone whom had been his mentor.
Once everyone had arrived, we gathered on that rock with Ike and shared some readings, some stories and some thoughts about a dog that had touched many lives. A dog that had not only lived longer than expected, but had managed to live more. And, once again the capacity of dogs to understand the significance of any circumstance was proven. There were three dogs there that day; two of them were Golden’s. For the entire time they sat quietly by, choosing not to run and play - which on any other day they would have – but, instead shared a final quiet moment with their friend. It had been raining earlier in the day and now was still cloudy, but very calm. As I felt Ike’s heart take it’s last beat and his chest rise one more time – suddenly, he was gone. Strangely, it was a very peaceful and powerful moment; from behind the clouds the sun’s rays broke through and out of nowhere came a strong gust of wind. Everyone looked up at each other with a smile knowing that that was Ike's spirit soaring. The ancients believed that when a great soul passed on, a great wind was needed to lift it away. In retrospect, we’re lucky a hurricane didn’t blow-up!
Afterwards, we all went inside and toasted Ike, and had some nibblies - Skeet & Ike's of course! Then we told more Ike stories and celebrated an amazing dog - an amazing spirit! When everyone had left, Robyn, Claudia (one of Ike's vet's), and myself went back to sit with Ike and just be with him. We sat for while and reminisced some more. It was a beautiful day.