The Death of a Legend: A Tale of Two Dogs
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Best Friends
You would have never expected such an unlikely pair. One black dachshund, one orange chow mix. Pals since I can remember. The first time I saw this duo, I was driving through the local Indian reservation on my way to a drugstore. They were around 50 feet in front of my truck, the dachshund chasing the chow. I had to laugh at the sight and slowed to watch their antics. The wiener dog's legs worked tirelessly to keep up; it seemed the chow slowed deliberately so his friend could keep stride. They roamed freely and as an animal lover, I saw this as a beautiful and stirring example of friendships that can occur between creatures.
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Reflections
As I drove by, I began to consider the lives of these "Rez Dogs," for I had encountered many such animals as a census worker in April of 2009. We census enumerators had endured a God awful, exhausting week of training, and an entire day was spent on the topic of these creatures. We were instructed to consider the animals extremely dangerous, particularly when in packs. Eye contact was the most threatening behavior to engage in, for the dogs had been known to attack when 'watched' in this way. We were given reams upon reams of forms to complete if we were bitten. Then we were sent on our way.
Governmental Perils
I began my reservation assignment with deep misgivings; the instructors had successfully instilled an inordinate degree of paranoia in each and every one of us. I drove to each residence cautiously, watching for groupings of dogs, remaining in the truck until I determined it was safe. I admit that on occasion I did not leave my car and mapped the property from the safety of my vehicle. There were some close calls, but only once did I have trouble with a dog.
Near the end of my work on the reservation, I checked my hand-held computer for the right address, opened the truck door, and stepped out. No dogs were in sight. Except for the one nipping at my heels. Actually, at my socks. The vermin in question was a tiny black dachshund, and he was all that, indeed. At least he thought he was, and he was valiantly doing his job to protect his property. I had to admire his efforts. Laughing, amused and unhurt, I finished my job.
The Lay of the Land...and the Highways
In the year since my encounter with the brave little soul, I have seen the pair numerous times. Of course I am assuming the dauchsie is the same one-in all my years in Bishop, I have never seen another one loose. Not a half of a mile from my home is Highway 168 that travels East to West-into the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. On the other side of the Highway is the reservation. The chow and dauchsie worried me, and I am sure other drivers, since they often ran across this road, oblivious to the danger. Usually traffic stopped to allow their passage. Drivers familiar with the area know that even occasional livestock saunter by, not an unusual sight.
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The Final Chapter
Just yesterday, the legend came to an end on that Highway. Just beginning my morning errands, I drove slowly only to see the poor dachshund, hit by a car on the side of the road. His friend was tending to his small body, no doubt wishing to resume their play. I picked up his little body, put him in my truck and went to a veterinarian not 1/4 of a mile from the accident. I could not catch the chow. I watched, cringing, as he ran from me across the road. He made it.
Vets around here are far too familiar with animal deaths on roads, but they are extremely caring people. I must say I was fairly hysterical as I brought him in, and Dr. Kathryn held me after tending to the little dog. Her compassion will not be forgotten. In a town of 3,500 every sorrow is shared and understood. We are all, perhaps, too close to one another, but I needed that warmth because one of my personal legends had just died.
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Thanks for the comment, Ginn-you're right.
That was beautiful...a wish of mine would be for people to
not neglect their pets. Thanks for sharing.
I couldn't agree more, Tammy.
I appreciate your visit.
My Dear Sweet Friend,
I am sending you lots of hugs and kisses.
I can empathise with you to the highest degree when it comes to losing a pet,especially a dog.
When we lost Bobbie and Suzie two years apart, it was so hard to say good bye to them. Suzie was sick and we didn't have a choice but we could have kept Bobby a bit longer for company reasons. However, he was showing signs of neural defecit and the vet said that it would be kinder to to put him to sleep as well. We still miss them terribly.
Richard wants to get another silkie, when we do get around to getting another dog, but I don't care. I would like to go to the pound and see what dog looks like he really could do with a good home and some one to show him that there are people who care for dogs not just ones that abuse them.
Anyway my friend, please take care. I will be thinking of you and you will be in my prayers. I have won 13 trophies now. I have 4 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze, and 4 honourable mentions. I feel pretty proud of myself.
Anyway, I have to go but once again, please accept my sincere condolences on the sad loss of you poor little little dog.
With Love from Your Dear Friend Beautybabe. Pam. xxxooo
Oh dear, BB, I hope I didn't imply the dogs were mine. I didn't 'know' either of them. They were strays that I had come to love from afar.
Thank you nonetheless for your condolences, for I felt they were mine-I so loved to watch them play.
I hate when people neglect or mistreat their pets also. Thanks for sharing this story.
So do I, Pamela...so do I.
The little fellow is certainly blessing you, lorlie, for that final act of kindness.
Poor pup. I hope the Chow chow is okay. Reminds me of "Where the Red Fern Grows." Breaks your heart to think about it.
Thanks for coming by, FP, I couldn't do anything else, though believe me, I wanted to.
SaMcNutt-I'll have to go read that. I've never had the opportunity, though I used to sell it all the time as a bookseller. Thanks.
Gee whiz Lorlie! Gee flippin' whiz, I do hate that. I'm so sorry! God bless your warm heart!
You keep surprising me with some unusually good writing, especially at the beginning of this story, which might sound a presumptuous thing to say, but it is not meant as such. I simply cannot express myself as well as you. You have it in you to write some wonderful stuff, when you are writing emotionally.
Sheesh. Good hub, but sad.
Beautifully told, Lorlie6. Your story is an important reminder that animals depend on us to keep them safe from harm. They do not fear the traffic and continue to play where humans speed by without a care. Thankfully, you came along and showed mercy to an injured animal who would have suffered so much worse without your help. So many would have just driven on. May God bless you for your act of kindness.
...as you have done to the least, you do to the entire Web of Life, thank you.
lorlie, this is a very sad story. But it would be a wonderful thing if humans could take a lesson from these precious animals. Although they are indeed different shapes, sizes, colours and breeds they play and live together without predudice.
Beautiful Hub
@Micky-I know. I just loved those two. I did what I had to do, I guess.
@De Greek-I appreciate your sense of my writing. I will probably take your advice and write more in this way, since it is my real voice. PS: I am working on that hub you suggested a while ago, but that one is particularly difficult.
@Pcunix-thanks for your words, hon.
@Peg Cole17-I must admit I've driven by others-there are so many in this area-but this one caught my heart.
@LillyGrillzit-I wasn't thinking of the karma, if that's what you mean, but every bit of kindness is necessary.
@Loves To Read-that so affected me from the start! I couldn't believe the seemingly opposite dogs! Your comment is greatly appreciated.
Oh Geez...you have me crying - poor thing - you and the dogs! Thank you for taking care of the poor little thing though and I only hope the chow is going to be okay! It is a true lesson in life to see when opposites attract so to speak - and why can't we in the world learn from these humble examples?
You and me both, akirchner. This was a really hard one to write, but even harder to do. Today there was ANOTHER rez dog wandering down the same highway and I tried to 'cut him off at the pass,' and get him in my truck, but he wouldn't go for it. He made it across the road, too-maybe he and the chow will now be pals.
I just may get on my soapbox about the treatment/neglect of these animals soon-or maybe I already am!
lorlie, good story, nicely told.
It's interesting how dogs are around each other. When they're friends with someone -- whether animal or human -- they don't care what the friend looks like or anything else like that. They're not judgmental like us two-legged types.
Hey ericsomething-so true. There's a quote-I'll slaughter it of course-that I love..."I wish I were half the man my dog thinks I am."
They are incredible creatures.
Thanks for the visit.
That's so sad! I am glad that you stopped and took the dog to the vet. Most people would have just kept going.
Thanks, ThreeFootHat. I'm glad I did too. I wish I could have picked up the chow, though.
Aww, what is up with all the hubs making me sad this morning!? Its not even 10am yet. I am incredibly sorry about the dog - its amazing how its not even your dog, but they just make impressions on you. Your hub has left an impression of these two dogs on every heart who reads it.
You are a natural storyteller and your writing is such a pleasure to read, regardless of the sad nature of the content. Thank you for another great hub.
Lorie your friendship and kindness will not go forgotten on your little friend. Very sad story and yet uplifting to these two comrades who knew the danger they were exposed to daily.
I know what it's like, haven driven the highways for years and seen so many animals killed on them. Barriers don't always keep animals especially dogs from venturing across the roads.
I am happy reading how you befriend the little guy and took him to the vet. Many people would just have left him on the road to get mangled up. I tip my hat to your kindness and may your little friend find peace in doggy heaven.
@rgarnett-sorry about the early morning downer, I just needed to get this thing out. I thank you for coming by.
@Steele-I appreciate those words, it just may be that I am finding my writing 'voice' at last. It seems to be suspiciously close to my heart! ;)
@saddlerider-as a trucker, you've seen much more than I. Thanks for the hat tip. I used to drive my little Datsun cross country often-mid 70's!-and I'll never forget the Interstate slaughter. If my memory serves me, it was Utah where I swerved over and over again to avoid the carcasses of rabbits. Talk about sad.
I just wish the owners of these dogs here in Bishop would care enough to USE barriers, or at least some sort of fencing.
I've either run over or swerved many times my 18 wheeler even with 80 thousand lbs onboard to avoid hitting a deer, moose, wolf, coyote or even armadillios in Texas and crocks in Florida. Sometimes putting myself at risk to save a life, but many are heartless and couldn't give a shake. They enjoyed running critters over, I love all life and it breaks my heart to see such abuse on the highways. It's people like you that give me that warm fuzzy feeling of hope. Peace and hugs.
I've watched those sick-assed souls run creatures down for the hell of it. Good God, what's wrong with them? Crazy. Warm and fuzzy? Me? I think actually I am a softie after all! :)
I lost a dachshund just a year ago, a car hit her right in front on my house. I feel for your loss :)
I am so sorry, edguider. Right in front of your home? I can't imagine.
Thanks for coming by.
Hi Lorlie.It's sad losing our animal[this word should have a much better connotation]friends and it especially hurts when It's a much loved pet.I have a cat[cats are cool too]named bosko.He's a cross eyed Siamese with a bizarre[like his owner:)]personality.I've had him since before he could see.I don't know what I would do if something happened to him.Emotion stirring hub L.Thanks
Dean
Lori what a sad story and you have a wonderful heart. cheers.
Oh lorlie6 - heartbreaking! These are creatures that give their all and how I wish we had just a wee bit of their loyal and giving nature. Hugs to you - and the chow - wherever he is!
This is a sad and beautiful story lorlie that not only paints a picture of your compassion but of a part of the US I know so little about. You are gifted in so many ways. BTW, I'm particularly fond of little dachshunds :(
If leaders have a heart like yours, there will be no more war,i mean African will be great with no competition but we lost it all from the Garden of Eden else no car would have ever hit a dog and vets could save even when the damage is severe...
Voted Up.
@cheaptrick-Bosko sounds extremely cool-count me in with the 'bizarre personality!" :) I have 4 cats and love them dearly, but they never get outside. Nor do my 3 dogs-it's just irresponsible to let them roam.
@ladyjane-I appreciate your visit-thanks. I think many folks have good hearts but are too busy or horrified to deal with something like this.
@Shalini-I wonder about the chow, too. Animals are a passion of mine-I do wish we had their qualities at times!
@Green Lotus-my mother used to breed dachshunds, and I really loved watching the newly born pups nursing when I was a little girl. Mama kept them all snug in baskets! They are a wonderful breed. Thanks for coming by.
@Rossimobis-I wish we could see life as animals do, and I wish we all showed compassion when seeing something like this. Sometimes we do pass on by-I have had to before. This time I couldn't. Thanks.
Those stray dogs tell everyone about our seeming neglect in caring for these animals. I'm sure they had homes before you saw them roaming around. The owners may have lost them or thrown them out. I know that the death of the other pair will keep haunting you because of the chow it left behind. It tears my heart wondering how its life would be like without its best friend. If only its owner is as compassionate as you are . . .
Hi Lita, I'm glad you stopped by. I think the dogs around here are generally abandoned once they aren't 'cute' any more. That really drives me crazy!
I understand your feelings about the chow-poor thing.
Again, thanks for stopping by!
A very lovely (and well-written, may I say?) example of our essential connectedness. Great story, thank you.
Love and peace
Tony
Ah, tonymac-thank you for your comment. Connectedness is such a universal truth!
THE LOOSE OF LIFE OF ANYONE IS VERY SORROWFUL TIME FOR EVERYBODY AND IT IS THE FACT OF THE WORLD THAT ONE WHO CAME INTO THIS WORLD SHOULD HAVE TO GO OUT FROM THIS WORLD ONE DAY.
Lovely Hub honoring those little pals and the difficult road they had in life...thanks for being a caring and loving fur-friend to them and being there when needed...we need more people like you dear one.
@mrazaabbas-I appreciate you coming by. Thank you.
@Aley-thanks to you, my friend. They were such a loving and comical pair!
Aaawh, so sad. I'm glad you were able to take him to the Vet. You did your best. His friend must miss him terribly. Hope you'll check on him once in a while.
Best Wishes.
Hi Elena-I wish I could check on him, but I have no idea where he lives-all I know is that he ran across the road to the Indian Reservation.
Thanks for coming by!
Oh my - I knew it was coming from your title but it still caught me and brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad it was you who found the little guy and the vet sounds pretty darn wonderful, too. Hugs.
Ah, SilverGenes...yep, I knew the title would give it away, but the pair were a legend to me. I couldn't think of a more appropriate one.
The vet is amazing!
Thanks for the visit.
You brought a tear to my eye.
drcrischasse-I know exactly what you mean.
Thanks for the comment.
...I admire you because you're a person of profound richness and compassion - and all animals/humans are graced by your sacred presence.
I love my cats more than anything else on this earth - and I tell them everyday how much I love them - Little Miss Tiffy and Mister Gabriel - and of course they are lucky to have someone like me too! And we are lucky to have someone like you!
This was such a sweet and beautiful hub Lorlie, I truly enjoyed the read and wish that the loyalty in humans was that of some animals. Your compassion and way of understanding things is a great quality and I hope you are able to always hold on to that. Thanks for sharing. Hope all is going well and you are doing great! Much love your way xo
@epi-thanks for the sweet words. Animals are such a source of joy in this life-I wish some people would take better care of their charges.
@H.C.-I hope you're doing well, too! How I wish we could learn from the animals...they are so loving. Thanks for coming by!
wOW, engaging hub. The ending is sad, of course, but dogs, many of them anyhow, have a lot to teach us about relationships and what is inside of us at rock bottom, pure, untouched by so called socialization. They have a way of getting what they want and need from us without having to sell out in anyway. And they have the courage to pee on us or our property when we try to dismiss them. "Dismiss me, will you? Well, how about a little dispiss from me? Urine hot water with me for ignoring my needs!" Simple, honest life!!
You speak my language, vrbmft! I agree about the socialization, as well.
No dismissing allowed!
Thanks for the visit.
Animals do seem to know how to get along much better then humans do. Sometimes I feel they are more intelligent then we are! Humans just think animals are not because they do not speak like we do. They have the intelligence to understand us when we talk to them, humans do not have the intelligence to understand them, what does that say! :D great story, I feel for your loss! You have such a great heart! ~aloha~
I love that bit about the dogs, it's so sweet to watch how they get along together sometimes. And thank you for the warm welcome to Hub!
Lorlie6-I am so sorry to hear of the little dogs death. I can't imagine how sad and confused the other dog is now that his/her friend is gone. God Bless your love and compassion for these dogs and the dasch on it's last day on earth. So sad.
Oh, Laurel - what a beautifully sad story! Rated up!
@Sa ge-I so agree with you. Just because we can't understand their 'language' doesn't mean it's not full of complexity.
@BonnyC-HubPages is lucky to have you!!
@Minnetonka Twin-I wonder every day about the chow's lonely life now. It is so sad.
Thanks, habee-I still think about it, and hope this hub is a proper tribute to the two!
Your love and compassion shines in this girl. Peace honey. x CC
You sweet and wonderful woman, friend. Your compassion is amazing, inspirational, and such a gift to this big ol' world!
@ralwus-thanks, darlin'. Peace to you, too.
@Cathi-OMG, you're here! You're here! Hooray for August! I appreciate your words, sweetie!
Your experience was very touching. I am one who can’t stand the mistreatment of animals. I am not an animal person per say, however having five children, I have mounted immense experience with several breeds, and I can appreciate how that must have affected you. Thank you for sharing…
I imagine you have more than enough 'experience' with 5 kids, Mike! I appreciate your comment, and thank you for the visit.
That was a beautiful and naturally told if sad story. I believe animals have unlimited loyalty it's a shame so many humans aren't the same. All the best
You're so right, Eiddwen. Ah, the things we should learn from them....
See you soon!
Clearly humans can learn a lot about life and loyalty from these animals.
So true, BPop. I continue to wonder how the chow is 'coping' with his loss...
I am so sorry, first of all, second, this was a wonderful but sad hub. But as breakfastpop said, we have a lot to learn from these beautiful creatures. thank you for sharing lorlie!
Thanks Ladybird. It was such a poignant tale that telling it became a necessity. I hope no stories like this need to be told again.
Thanks for coming by.
*hugs* Lorlie - I hope telling of this incident and reviewing comments from time to time will allow you to heal from this experience in the short term - remember your four-legged friend in the long-term. Sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself well.
Thanks for the *hugs,* mythbuster-experiences like this are pretty overwhelming.
I appreciate your visit.
Beautifully written, beautifully shared. I'm glad I found you.
Thanks so much, raisingme. I think I'll go 'check you out,' too!
Thank you for sharing your story, if all people would love animals, even from afar!
Oh, how I agree, Sweetusieg!
Thanks for your visit.
I have saved a drowning puppy from an ice covered lake where it had broken through while the mother constantly threatened me in a Rotwieller way. Luckily I emerged unscathed by showing no fear. I have cradled dying dogs far too often in my life, and have lullabyed many of my own to a long hypo nap. They are great creatures, their name is God spelled backwards and for good reason for dogs too love in an uncompromisng way. Thanks for a moving write.
~~~MFB III
Then, MFB, you are a hero. It is a special thing to love the creatures of this earth, and I am proud to know you.
Glad you came by.
Dear Lorlie...I really appreciate what you did...I lost two of my pets - Sweety and Shera - they were husband and wife. First Shera passed away and then Sweety a day after. They were like family members and it was indeed a big loss...Now we have a pet Zambo....
Your hub wz awesome and it reminded me of my loving pets....Your hub teaches a lesson that pets are the friends of human beings...we shud learn to luv them...... gr8 hub....and u did a wonderful job Lorlie...I bow to your kindness..hats off :)
Thanks so much, diyabhatt, for your comment. I'm sorry about Sweety and Shera, it sounds like they were very close. Take good care of Zambo and I appreciate your visit!
My pleasure Lorlie...Ya they were very close...I got married 3 months back...Zambo stays wid my dad, brothers and sister-in-law....2 months after sweety and Shera died, my mom passed away...The idea to bring Zambo home wz to keep dad busy...dad plays wid him, feed him, takes care of him....afterall...dogs are man's best friend!
That's a terrible amount of loss to endure for a family, diyabhatt. Your father is blessed to have such a thoughtful daughter!
Congrats on your 'newlyweddedness!'-ain't love grand??? :)
Thank you so much Lorlie... "Your father is blessed to have such a thoughtful daughter!" this made my eyes wet...! thank you soo much...my mum was died at 50...u're of the same age...I can see a mum in you :) M glad and thankful to HP...to give me two mums - Eiddwen mom and you :)
The sunglasses threw me, girl! Thanks for reminding me of this...once again I claim a 'senior moment.' I'm so sorry you lost your mum, sweetie, it's so very hard.
Eiddwen is a very special woman to me, too! I am glad we found one another!
Thank you soooo much....loads of love, hugs and kisses :)
Me too!
I'm a sucker for a dog story, and this one nearly had me in tears. Well done. But sad.
I am too, Christoph. Yep, this one was a tear-jerker all right. Sad, sad tale to tell.
Thanks so much for coming by.
Ginn Navarre Level 2 Commenter 19 months ago
If only some humans could learn and find that kind of loyalty we would be much better off. great hub!