by sarah.
We adopted Knightley about six months ago. Today we had to say goodbye. On my mind have been these common arguments against adopting an older dog:
1. You can’t have as much fun with an older dog.
my response:
2. Older dogs are grumpy. They might hurt my kids.
my response:
3. Puppies are cuter.
4. I don’t want my kids to suffer through losing a dog so quickly.
Maesie’s response, after learning Knightley was very sick, was to suggest that next time we adopt a dog we should get the one who is most in danger of being put down at the shelter. Cowboy’s response was that he wanted to give lots more dogs a good home, and to someday build a hotel for homeless dogs.
(yeah, that’s 2 adults, 4 kids and 2 dogs in 1 minivan)
5. It hurts to lose a dog.
It does. It really, really does.
Goodbye Knightley. We love you so very, very much.
Kathie Says:
May 5th, 2009 at 7:52 amVisit Kathie
Oh my goodness. I am so very sorry you had to say goodbye, and I am so very glad I got to meet him. You loved him well…and he obviously loved you all very well, too.
Michael Says:
May 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pmVisit Michael
1) Knightley was an amazing dog, it appears.
2) Your wife is an amazing photographer.
3) You have some amazing kids.
4) Your family is pretty… well, amazing. God’s given you a gift in them, and them a gift in you. Thanks for posting this.
Janet slater Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 8:41 amVisit Janet slater
Okay, well that made me cry! Glad we met him. He was lucky to have been a part of your family.
Janet slater Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 11:25 amVisit Janet slater
P. S. Knightly gave so much back to you. Pets enrich our lives in ways we could never predict ahead of time.
Sparky Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 1:28 pmVisit Sparky
So sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a wonderful pet, that is some real grief. Y’all be well, take care. (Lovely photos, too.)
Jess Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 2:07 pmVisit Jess
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing it with us! Those pictures and the time you spent with him are priceless.
Julie Says:
May 6th, 2009 at 5:54 pmVisit Julie
Well. I of course cried too- I really feel for you all. As you know, I am a wee bit wimpy about dog drool, and Knightly had a fair amount. But, kindly, he always turned to the side for me to pet him. And remember the night I scratched his tummy for so long and he made happy noises? He definitely got into my heart. I’m sorry for your loss, and I will miss him. But the beautiful gift that he gave- demonstrated by Maesie & Cowboy’s comments- sure seems worth it.
Kari Says:
May 7th, 2009 at 10:54 amVisit Kari
Ok, I was tearing up and I’ve never even met the dog. But I’ve seen the pictures and heard the stories. Unfortunately, I have experienced the sense of loss from the deaths of some beloved pet. I still can’t talk about Duncan without tearing up – 3 years later! I’m so happy that his life was saved and enriched in the brief time he called your family and your home his own. Those are some heavy lessons your kids are learning from all this: to save unwanted lives and bestowing kindness on animals that others have turned down, learning to let go and do what’s right for the animal in the end, saying goodbye, the inevitable afterlife discussions… He was lucky to have you and vice-versa. If you haven’t already named your property, perhaps “Slater Sanctuary” is in order.
Kham Says:
May 7th, 2009 at 12:38 pmVisit Kham
It looks like Knightley represented his species well. I’m in the process of learning to be a dog person, and your post will be helpful to that end.
I am very proud of the comments of my niece and nephew, and hope they carry that care and respect for animals with them throughout their lives.
Bj Says:
August 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pmVisit Bj
I just ’stumbled’ in and began reading. As a gal who just adores dogs, cats and all animals ~ I wanted you to know how this touched me. I’m grateful Knightley had you and your family in his life. The pictures of this grand dog are terrific and very touching. You are good people and are blessed.