Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Transition

Fred PeeringI received word this weekend that my wife's mother, for whom my wife has been caring, had taken a turn for the worst. I changed a reservation, dropped Pappy with some friends, and came down to Dallas yesterday. By the time I arrived she had passed away. She was a smart, enthusiastic, classy person, and that's about as much probing as I want to do in the blog.

Since I got here one of the notable presences has been Fred, her poodly mutt. More than any other single reason, Fred is why we have Pappy. He has always been my sidekick on visits to Texas, and he is why I gave serious consideration to overcoming obstacles and reservations in getting a pet. He is not just a good dog, he is a great dog. Even my mother in law had trouble pinning down how old he is, but the best guess is about 14 years-- as long as I've been married. He's still pretty spritely for an old guy, but he is slowing down.

A dear friend of my mother in law is looking forward to taking Fred in. She lives alone, and I think both of them would benefit from the attention and activity of each other's company. We took him this morning to get him groomed, and he was fluffy and sparkling white this afternoon when she came by for a visit.

The weird thing for me is, when this trip is over when will I be back to Dallas? Am I ever going to see Fred again? My wife and I have talked about taking Fred, and I am still torn. He's always been an only dog, Pappy and he have never met, and we are gone much of the work day. I've always told myself that in a few years I will retire and Pappy will get more time and attention, but Fred doesn't have a few years. He has done a good job caring for my mother in law, and a full-time companion looking after him would be a wonderful retirement.

15 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

We're so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Poor Fred - he'll miss her lots! You have one very tough decision. We know you'll make the right one!

Love ya lots,
Maggie

Jojo's Mom said...

We're so sorry for you and Erin. We were wondering if you'd end up with Fred or if he'd stay in Texas. Lots of condolences from the dog park crew.

Shannon

Anonymous said...

Man, so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you guys.

Gus said...

Our condolences to you and particularly to your wife. At a time that is tough enough, add one more difficult decision.

I hope you have had the opportunity to see Fred with his potential new person. Perhaps that will give you either a lot of comfort at leaving him there, or some "reasons" to take him along.

As for Pappy, we know that you will take his emotional welfare into consideration, but he seems to be able to get along with other dogs (dog park, etc.) And a companion if he is alone most of the day might actually be a plus for him.

Anyway, we hope that you and your wife can get through these next few days supporting each other, then worry about Fred.

Our best to all
Barb and Gus

Charlie said...

Our condolences to you and your wife; losing parents is really hard. It sounds like Fred's two options are both great, though. Guess I'd be inclined to look at what your mother-in-law would have wanted for Fred and whether your wife needs him as a way to let go of her mom more gradually.
- respectfully, Charlie

Oscar's mummy and daddy said...

Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I'm sure Fred will be happy and settled in his new home, sad as it is for you.

Licks
oscar x

FleasGang said...

Gosh. We're really sorry for your wifes' and your loss. Our deepest condolences.

Fred's situation is a tough one. It sounds like you already have your answer though in letting him "retire" finally after all these years.

Best Wishes
Jason and The FleasGang

3dogcache said...

Ahh, poor Fred. He must be so confused about things right now. And I think Pappy would do well to have a brother...

Take care of yourself.

3dogs

Anonymous said...

Gosh, tough all the way around...

Wishing for the best for everyone.

Nat said...

Thanks to everyone for your sympathies. We're scrambling away to get all the services planned, and are considering driving from Dallas to DC (20 hour road trip through Arkansas, Tennesee and Viginia, wooohooo). I kind of get a happy feeling when I think of Fred living with my mother in law's dear friend, and that's the way we seem to be headed.

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

We are sorry to hear about the passing of your mother-in-law. Fred is going to go through some hard transition in the next months. If this friend knows Fred well, that may be the best plan. We know you will make the best decision for Fred's well bieng, not for yours.

Johann The Dog said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. We're thinking about you, your wife, and Fred.

Nat said...

Well, we dropped Fred at his new home today my mother-in-law's friend. We have a few days to make sure everything is going to work out well-- in case he flips out or someone gets owner's remorse. He looked pretty happy sitting up on the bed.

L said...

So sorry for your loss. I hope Fred will be okay in his new home. Sounds like he's off to a fine start.

Toodles,
Sweets

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

So sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. J x