Paean to a poodle
This week, my family tearfully said goodbye to Poppy, our 12-year-old standard poodle. Surely not the most devastating event in the world -- not after tens of thousands have died from a cyclone and earthquake. But for us, as for any pet owner, it's a time of great, great sorrow. We recall an utterly devoted companion who was playful and graceful, cautious and gentle.
As a tribute, I asked Mutts blogger John Woestendiek for his favorite books about dogs. He started with Dog Years by Mark Doty, which is about coping with loss. Not sure I'm up to reading it yet, but I will keep it in mind. As for the rest of the Poppy tribute list ...
Where the Red Fern Grows – No matter how crusty you might be, this 1961 novel by Wilson Rawls about a boy and his two redbone Coonhounds is guaranteed to pluck your heartstrings.
Travels With Charley —John Steinbeck’s insightful travelogue on his 10,000 mile roadtrip across 1960’s America with his aging poodle.
Animals in Translation — Celebrated animal scientist Temple Grandin, who has autism, brings together her research and perceptions to offer a new understanding of how animals think and feel.
Amazing Gracie — The heartwarming true tale of a deaf and partially blind albino Great Dane who turned around the life of the man who rescued her. By Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff.
Comments
All dog passings are deeply sad. We lost Stella last fall after a 3 year fight with cancer. Only then did we discover that our other dog was deaf and had been using Stella as a hearing ear dog.
http://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Sprite-Lovers-Story-Anguish/dp/1416559132
Posted by: Steve | May 22, 2008 9:36 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about Poppy. Pets are just as much members of the family as anyone else. Hope the book helps, when you're up to reading it.
Posted by: mary | May 22, 2008 10:02 AM
So sorry to read of Poppy's passing. She was a beautiful dog.
After twelve years with you, I am sure Poppy was an important member of the Rosenthal family and will be missed.
Dogs -- they are some of the most amazing creatures on earth!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gigi | May 22, 2008 5:17 PM
When my Max died 2-1/2 years ago, there was no book anywhere that would fill the void. "I'll Wait in the Car: Dogs Along for the Ride" is a nice, light picture book.
Posted by: Eve | May 23, 2008 9:37 AM