We have had a lot of happiness in the house with Fionnegan,
Gunnarr, and Shorty. They would run through the house and yard with free abandon,
and I would often comment it was like a calvary! What a wonderful pack. There
were lots of smiles, kisses and wagging tails.
It has been 6 months since Fionnegan died. We all miss him
very much. Gunnarr still searches the house and yard looking for Fionn and Shorty
rests his nose on Fionnegan’s dog bed in my study. I wonder if he can still smell
Fionn’s scent.
I also firmly believe that when Gunnarr howls, and he howls as loud
as any dog can, he is calling for Fionnegan. And Shorty does join him in
howling when they are outside. Gunnarr howls when he is alone in the house with
Shorty (I have a spy cam/doggy cam on them!) and he really howls every time I
try to get a picture of them on the front porch. There is no doubt he misses his
brother. Their bond was so incredibly close. They were best buds. And now the
bond between Gunnarr and Shorty is so strong that they are now inseparable.
I am fortunate that I have Gunnarr and Shorty as there still
are many kisses and wagging tails in the
house. Shorty gives the most kisses but Gunnarr will not be outdone when they
are together so I get kisses on each cheek at once! And while Shorty is
enjoying more of a senior dog role, Gunnarr still runs at top speed. Today they
are back running around the house like cavalry. What a blessing they are.
Fionnegan was a true joy. There are many fun and fond memories
of him. He was so ornery at times, like when he snitched the lettuce from my
sandwich when we were eating lunch on the kitchen porch. He was clever, able to
figure out how he could slip in between Gunnarr and me when we were sleeping.
He figured out that if he could get under the covers, and crawl along my legs
and cross over my feet and crawl back up, he could wiggle himself between Gunnarr
and me. He was athletic and able to assess a jumping situation and go for it. He
would often jump over Gunnarr to make sure he was the one who got to sit on my
lap. He loved Gunnarr and Shorty and could cuddle with Gunnarr every day. The
first thing he did each morning was to look for Gunnarr and visa versa. Shorty is
not a cuddler but they stayed close to each other, especially close to the end
when Shorty would lie down next to him.
And he was my little love. He had a beautiful smile and a
winning disposition. He loved people and loved tummy rubs. He loved playing
with Gunnarr and chasing him around the yard. What fun they had. Then when
Shorty joined us, Fionn was often the one that Shorty chased. He was after all,
the smaller of the two. He learned to get used to Shorty – not love at first
site. But after a while together they were getting along just fine.
He knew that I would protect him and help him in any
situation. When Gunnarr was too aggressive with him, I would give Gunnarr a
time out and Fionn would sit next to the gate to keep him company. So when one
got a time out, I just put them both in the bathroom or the atrium together. After
all, a time out just meant a separation from me for a little while.
When Fionnegan became ill, he would wait at the bottom of
the stairs because he knew once I got Gunnarr settled I would come back to
carry him upstairs. When he lost his appetite or will to eat, he knew I would kneel down beside him and
feed him by hand. He knew that I would help him sleep on his favorite pillow or
let him cuddle next to me as we slept. It was obvious he trusted me and loved
me, too. And when it was time for him to go, I believe he trusted me to help
him with this journey. Just the look in his eyes let me know that the time was
near.
Fionnegan gave me millions of kisses over the years – so many
kisses I would say to him. So many kisses indeed and how I miss them. He was
simply precious. My precious, spirited Fionnegan. I will always remember his as a happy loving dog.
Long before Fionnegan became ill I would ask Gunnarr and him
who they dreamt of at night, including if they dreamed of puppy dog angels. I
have no idea of where the concept of puppy dog angels originated, but it was part
of our daily routine during the much dreaded teeth brushing activity. Now, with
Gunnarr’s front paws on my lap, I ask him the same questions, and tell him that
Fionnegan is now a puppy dog angel. Here is hoping that one day we are all reunited
with our puppy dog angels that have gone before us.
Rest in Peace, my Fionnegan.
A few pictures.
Fionnegan loved sitting on my lap. Here we are on the back porch where he is intently watching for squirrels and birds. He would jump down and chase them then come back onto my lap.
Fionnegan and Gunnarr on my lap while sitting on the kitchen porch. They just had a bath so are fluffy and clean without collars.
Fionnegan sleeping on my lap with Gunnarr next to us while watching tv. All three of them love reclining on the couch, but Fionn preferentially wanted to recline on my lap.
He had sat on my lap since he was a pup. He also teethed on the zipper on my jacket.
Fionnegan and Gunnarr playing in the yard.
Fionnegan and Gunnarr patiently waiting to be let back inside the atrium.
Playing in the backyard as pups.
Finished running around the yard, they are waiting to get back inside the house.
Cuddling together in the atrium during a time out. It is easy to see why Gunnarr misses him so much.
Fionnegan and Shorty
Fionn did have a floppy left ear!
Once Shorty joined us they were a very close-knitted pack.
We miss your smile and barks and kisses and sweet disposition. We all miss you my Fionnegan.
The end!
Until next time...................
