Riley came to live with me the day before Bernie arrived. He had been neglected and abused and I took him in thinking, how different could it be between a Bernie and a Riley? About 90 lbs! He was the sweetest, most loving dog, even after all the pain and loneliness he had endured. Then he took umbrage with a neighbor - nothing vicious, but he felt he was protecting me and grabbed her arm. Unfortunately, this particular neighbor was the highly litigious type and, after many weeks of veiled threats of lawsuits, I reported the incident to my insurance company. They promptly dropped me. And I could not find another insurance company who would cover me as long as Riley lived under my roof. A heartbreaking search led (with divine intervention, I am sure) to Tara and her family. They took him into their home and hearts and loved him mightily. And he them back. Due, most likely to his early neglect and abuse, he developed a neurological problem that could not be cured. They nursed and loved him along for almost a year. Recently, he had reached a point where he was in much pain and wouldn't eat. They had to make the decision - such a difficult, loving decision - to let him go. We all will miss him. He was a good boy.
p.s. I need to add that it was because of the kindness of my sister and her husband that Riley was rescued from his particular hell in the first place.
13 comments:
I am so sorry Susan. Losing a member of the family - even if he was living someplace else - is always a difficult time. He may have had a rough early life but it sounds like he struck gold with you and Tara (and family). I'm sure he knew he was very well loved at the end.
We lost our 12 year old Samantha last week, similar situation medically. Still heart broken over that...
My hubby's folks had Great Danes and they've always had a special place in his heart. I'm glad Riley found you and Tara and her family.
Insurance companies. Ya gotta love 'em. They do such a good job of taking your money without providing coverage. Sigh.
So sorry, and yes Insurance Companies like to give you coverage until you file a claim.
Maxine - Yes, we like to think that his "real" life started with me and then just got better. I have to thank my sister and her husband for making sure he was led out of the hell that was his early life into a much better place.
Nancy - Oh, I am so sorry, Nancy. It's so hard to lose such a dear soul. Hugs to you --
Mama Pea - Ah, well, you and Papa Pea have lost your doggie love, too. There really is something about a Dane. I am so very happy that Tara and family was there to make his life even better. They truly loved him. You know, I even offered to write a clause that I would cover any damages caused by him, but NOOOOOOOO. Heaven forbid there was anything outside of their tight little box. I think some states have that option. But not (no big surprise) New York.
{{{hug}}}
Susan,
Dogs are family. Riley knew you and Tara loved him dearly and was extremely thankful to be able to spend time with you. I agree Riley was protecting you. My great dane did the same thing to a neighbor. I'm thankful, my neighbor didn't threaten me with lawsuits. God Bless Riley.
Great Danes are well known for taking a visitor by the arm / hand in order to escort them to the owner. It is NOT a sign of aggression.
Sad - and sorry for you. Great Danes are brilliant dogs.
So sorry, but he did have people in his life that cared. Hugs to you and the rest.
{{HUGS}} to all of you!!
So sorry to hear this sad news.
Sending hugs your way. So hard to lose a beloved four-footed member of the family.
What a big beauty! Glad he had a good life for what was left. Sorry for the loss.
Post a Comment