Friday, October 19, 2012

gimme gimme

Go to the bottom of this post for an update...

My family may have seen the last of Gimme.  That's his name-- as in, "give me."  That's what my daughter has been calling this foster puppy because of how he craves attention and food.  With him, it's just, "Gimme, gimme, gimme!"  But he's such a cute puppy, that the desire for attention and affection has been mutual.  Time and time again, I reinforced my position that he was only passing through, and we will not be keeping him.  But I expected that when the time came, we would at least get the chance to say a proper goodbye.

A day came for my daughter to perform a home inspection for a prospective pet owner.  They were interested in adopting Gimme.  Back at home, we didn't realize that we might not see him again.  D2 brought him to their house, observed the interactions, recognized that by all visible indications this was a healthy and happy environment.  The decision was made that they could begin fostering the puppy immediately, and possibly all the way until the time they can complete the adoption.

It's a life lesson that I have been taught over and over.  You don't know when someone (even a puppy) is going to move away or otherwise be taken out of your life.  In my case, I'm just talking about a puppy, but I know you have experienced this lesson at a more significant level.  We do not always have the opportunity to process a goodbye.

I wish I could have spent more time taking pics, writing and visiting blogs last week.  I was under unusual pressure from the convergence of a dental emergency plus 3 to 4 weeks of cramming for a presentation/debate where I was to be the underdog.  Everything seems to have turned out okay though.


UPDATE: 
D2 saw him at the animal clinic.  Look at how big he's gotten!  His new foster family will most likely adopt him, and by all accounts they're going to provide a great home.  They have named him "Diesel."  I like it.

11 comments:

Chris said...

Beautiful story and wonderful to see how he got its name ;-)

lime said...

it's an important thing to keep in mind for sure. it's one reason that whenever a friend or family member goes away i tell them "i love you."

gimme is adorable. glad he found a good home.

Betty Manousos said...

aww, gimme is so cute! if i lived closer i would have adopted him- no doubt!

i am not very good with saying "goodbye".

i am too sentimental i guess.

i totally enjoyed your well written post, craver.

wish you/yours a great weekend from start to finish.

imac said...

Real cute, I hope he will settle in his new home, that must be a load off your mind, but cant compensate the sadness of not seeing and cuddling him still.

Glad all things are working out as well my friend.

Pastor Dave said...

nice. I love the relationship aspect between a dog and his master. You, the master give and express great love, and the pup in return accepts it genuinely and never leaves your side.

happyone said...

Oh he is the cutest little thing. I would be heart broken.

Jackie said...

Wonderful that your family does this for these precious animals.
So glad to know that he has a good home; thank you for taking such precious care of him.
I understand what you are saying in this blogpost...applicable to so many life situations...very well written, my friend.

Craver Vii said...

Chris, I wonder what his new owners will name him. Actually, I don't even know whether I want to find that out.

Lime, I've only recently begun doing that with my siblings. I'd say that we always did love each other, but we just weren't the types to use that kind of language. It felt awkward to begin saying "I love you" to my parents and siblings, but I think it's worth it.

Your sentimentality enriches your friends, Betty. I am convinced that the sweet benefits outweigh the sorrows of having to say goodbye. Somehow, I think that heaven will be only hello and no goodbye.

Well, we still have our own dog and cat who love to be cuddled and pampered. Imac, as long as I have my Mrs. to lean on me while we watch a DVD, I do not feel like I am missing a thing.

Craver Vii said...

I know that "master" is the appropriate word Mr. Dave, and that is certainly true. More often than not however, I see my role as a type of shepherd or steward... even a friend of these pets. I'm sure you know what I mean.

Perhaps at first, Happyone. But your grieving would soon be assuaged by the coming of the next foster pet. I am comforted by the knowledge that these little ones are finding good homes.

I doubt we would have done this when the kids were younger, but now that they can be responsible for feeding and cleanup after the pets, it works out just fine. Jackie, it has been hard to learn how to say goodbye. People move away and sometimes they're taken from us by the Lord. I hope I have found a good balance between sensitivity and detachment. I want to be able to let go when I have to, but still care for people and about people. Ultimately though, Christ is my rock; I know he will never let go of me. And that is very good.

DeniseinVA said...

Oh I am happy that cute little guy found another loving home. From my own personal experience I have often thought I would have all the time in the world to say goodbye, only to learn often that is not the case.

Shammickite said...

I'm happy that the sweet little puppy has found a new loving home.... and it looks like he's going to get a lot bigger, I hope his new family are prepared for that!
OlderSon told me that they are planning to get a dog in the spring. I just rolled my eyes.... they already have 2 cats, a horse, and an active 4-1/2 year old at Junior Kindergarten, and a full time job each.... hope they know what they are getting into!