Man's Best Friend

Watching my father in law over the past two decades with his dogs truly has confirmed for me that a dog is man’s best friend. One of their neighbors years ago said, “if I come back in another lifetime, I want to come back as a Guyer Dog”. Yes, if you have read about my in-laws at all, you have come to know they are (and were) the most servant-hearted, kind, loving, generous people—on the daily I have heard, “what can I do, what do you need, let me help you with that”. They lived to nurture their family, friends, and dogs—all the while, having a great life. I have such wonderful memories of their Golden Retrievers, and how they treated them like their children, I did not quite understand this as I did not grow up with a dog, but the love, I related so well to the love that was shared. We nicknamed their home “The Yellow Dog”, because it was a great place to be, with dogs wondering, and for Charlie and I as a young couple before kids, a great spot for drinks, dinner and the best company ever. We would have fireside chats or a more casual dinner “downstairs at the dog”, with the football game going, crackling fire, dogs curled up on the floor and the most wonderful two people to share many conversations, laughs, dreams, plans and memorable moments with. Grandchildren came on fast and furious, and the dogs grew with them, and at this time, I truly observed love and loss of Pets with my in-laws, when both Molly & Maggie eventually moved on. While the grandchildren filled their lives beyond anything they had ever dreamed of, there was always an empty space on the dog bed that remained in their home. Dogs just make a home and family complete, and that is true for my in-laws.

Eleven years ago, our dear friends were getting new puppies, Golden’s from a mutual friend of ours, one of the most loving breeders and incredible women, Deb. I had mentioned to my in-laws, and they had said a few times they were getting too old—but would keep it in mind. Sure enough, they decided to call Deb, they all talked about aging and were they up for a puppy, it almost deterred them. They made the day trip up to VT to see Deb and meet her litter of beautiful Golden’s. It was love at first sight, and “Nel”, made her way to Bumpa, quietly resting on his leg, and the rest is history. Nel just made her way into the best home possible and has had such an incredible life.

Nel became Bumpa’s best friend, companion and has been right by his side (literally) for more than a decade.

Losing my mother in law 2 years ago was hard, and while we were by his side, his companion Nel has been their 24/7. Nel has given him purpose, and his caretaker role continues with the love and care for her. Just a few weeks ago, we learned that Nel has Cancer, and Bumpa was left with the decision for surgery (which was no guarantee or putting her down), he could not bare the thought of not trying, so he invested in surgery. Unfortunately, we learned that she has cancer throughout her body, and she had days, weeks or months left. Our heart breaks for Bumpa as he does not know what he will do without her. We assure him we will be by his side, and between both families, we will help him through this.

Man’s Best Friend. These words could not be truer when it comes to Bob Guyer and his beloved Nel. The realities of love and loss are hitting him hard these days, and yes, hitting my husband and his sister hard too. At this time, it is “One Day at a Time”. This phrase we use so often, and the wisdom in this phrase is so underrated (I see another blog post here).

His golden years, his golden retriever, it is all so bittersweet, but I keep reminding him and my husband how blessed he is, and how blessed we all are. The special bond between these two goes beyond anything I will ever understand—it is real, it is raw and it is love.

Dog, man’s best friend!