Goodbye to a best friend
Tex, Spring 2008*
When I was very, very young, my parents has a fabulous farting Dalmatian named Zip. From what I remember, she was your typical stupid, fence jumping Dalmatian. But she was also known as my nanny. Urban tale has it that she slept under my crib and woke my parents up one night when my puke overflowith. I was still a single-digit age when my parents shipped Zip off to a “farm” in Great Falls, Virginia, where she could “retire” and chase squirrels. It took many, many years before I realized that was my parents’ way of giving me the easy let down. I never forgave them. Until now.
I’ve never had to put a dog down until today. Tex was recently diagnosed with severe heart disease (all ventricles clogged) as well as tumors on his heart and spleen. While I have blamed his hip dysplasia on a lot, this diagnosis actually explained his monolithic slow down. I knew fostering and eventually adopting a senior dog was going to be a short-term tragedy. But Tex was seriously a gentle giant and so fucking cool. I want to believe dogs like that deserve to live a very long life.
Everyone that has come into contact with Tex has been touched by his mellowness. He also picked up where Zip left off. Six months into our “relationship,” I had outpatient foot surgery. When I came home, my girlfriend deposited me on the couch loaded on painkillers and she made sure my foot was elevated. Hours later, the dog walker came in only to find Tex on top of me, like a hen protecting her chick. That night, after I wobbled on crutches to go to bed, Tex snuck into my bed and watched me all night.
He’s slept with me every night since until recently when he took up residence by the front door. His all-time favorite thing was a car ride where he could hang his head out of the window and woof air. Now he’d just lay in the back seat, not even getting up to look out during stop signs. Even food, his primary motivation, barely interested him.
And this is when I had to make the same decision my parents had to make decades ago – where the zest and love of life has left the beast and the shell remains. Tex left this world with me rubbing his pumpkin head and paws. We’ve had a charmed 2.5 years together. For better or worse, Tex has been the best date/relationship I’ve had in Los Angeles, and I’ve dated some real dogs.
There is never a good time to end an animal’s life. I understand that, finally. I feel Tex’ time was now and I can only hope, in his retirement, he gets to meet Zip, and those that followed, to talk about me over a few good bones and squirrels. Tex, you will be missed. My walks and hikes will never be the same, but when I see a squirrel, I’ll think of you and your alert, squared off ears, looking up the trunk of the tree.
Marna and Tex, September 2010
*Photo courtesy of LA Woman Photography
Kaylene will be crushed when I tell her, as we all are. Good napping, Tex!
lots of love attached.
Marna, I’m so very sorry for your loss! xoxo Jenn
RIP old boy. He’s a good one.
I’m tearing up as I read this. Tex was a fine dog – one of the best. A cool, fun character who will be missed and never forgotten. I picture him chasing squirrels and smiling down…
I am so sad. I generally don’t trust dogs around kids, but Tex was so wonderful that within 30 minutes of meeting him I was putting my toddler down to take a nap next to him. He was that awesome. RIP TEX. There is a special place in dog heaven just for you.
Part of being a pet parent is knowing when “it’s time”. Never, ever easy, but you gave him a great life, Marna. RIP, Tex, ol’ buddy.
Oh, Marna, my heart is with you. Tex and you found each other and the rest was glorious bliss.
Some say that people who spend their lives searching for Dog are dyslexic. I say they’re smart.
Happy trails, Tex honey.
Dammit, Marna, I’m not supposed to cry at work.
Goodbye, Dude, your dog bed didn’t tie the room together, you did. See you on the other side, my friend.
Sugar Daddy – Ever misses you so much already. She’s sleeping in your bed as I type this and cry my eyes out yet again. I’ve never loved a dog outside my own the way I love you. You were the most gentle loving soul and you gave that love to us all and your MOM especially. I wish you the safest, peaceful journey over the Rainbow Bridge. When you get there after you have your play time with Zip can you please give my love to my angels there: Sancho, Ziggy, Tequila, Rex, Black Jack, Kelly and Chianti. They are missed and loved as much as you are. I LOVE YOU TEX, I’ll miss you everyday, and I’ll see your sweet face in my mind every morning I walk down Spaulding. I’ll drop a Charlie Bear for you every single day I walk Ever there.
Oh Marna I am so sorry. Remember all of the good times you had with him. I’m sad that Newman never got to meet his cool brother and make biscuits before they napped together.
Sugar Daddy – Ever and will see your face in our minds everyday we walk down Spaulding. We will drop a Charlie Bear for you too. I LOVE YOU TEX
Words can’t express how sorry I am to hear about dear Tex. He was a dog among dogs, and truly the Dude. Love to you both from me & Bella. ^..^
You know I feel your pain as we discussed earlier; I cried after reading this. It never is or gets easier, but as we all know the quality of life, not the quantity is key. I’ll miss the updates and photos. And I’m sure you’ll miss your best ever buddy. Sweet dreams TEX.
the sun never came out today in LA – it’s up there with Tex
S & D are sad too and looked back at pics of Tex. We were hoping to meet him someday but know you had to make a really tough decision and for that we are truly sorry. XO from us all
I heard once that there is “the dog” in every dog owner’s life – that dog that is just more special, more loved, more dear, than any dog that came before or will come after. I’ve had several dogs, and my boy Mason is “the dog.” I can’t imagine life without that big silly black lab. That may seem overly dramatic to a non-dog lover, but anyone who has had “the dog” knows exactly what I mean. I bet, Marla, that you know what I mean. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I actually read this and came back b/c I was too teary to type. So sorry for the loss of your man. He had a great life being side kick to his girl.
Tex sounds like he was awesome… Sorry I didn’t get to meet him, but especially sorry he’s not there with you. Baci hon, Dick.
Marna, Soo sorry about loss of Tex. I wish we could have met him. Last week saw Marley & Me – just the end – that killed me. Now your blog did this week.
Oh, Marna, Don told me the sad news about Tex. I know he’s probably up there with all the new little puppies waiting to be born saying “Guys, if you’re really, REALLY lucky, one day you’ll find a mom/friend like I had – the most perfect, very best one in the world!”
Oh Ms. Marna, I’m so sorry for your lost.
xoxo
J
“The Dude Abides”. I was pretty sure I knew what that subjectline meant and teared up as I crossed St. Marks–I didn’t meet Tex, but I felt like I knew him from the way you described the bond as it formed.
You said you were fostering Tex.
I thought, “Yeah, “fostering. What, for a day?” I *heard* it even through your IM. You were in luv, Marna!
What a pile of happiness you brought each other.
I’m lighting a candle for you tonight, Tex.
Marna, I am so sorry for your loss. Pets are truly a blessing to us…we get so much more from them then they ever receive from us.
Hi Marna,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have really enjoyed your Tex stories and pictures and wish I could have met him. What a good boy he was.
Sorry to hear Tex is gone. You have my condolences. He sounded like a truly wonderful companion.
Much love,
Rebecca
Marna – I’m so sorry to hear about Tex’s passing. I know how much our pets mean to us. I’m going to tell you what Jim told me when we unexpectedly lost our little puppy, Kiwi – “Don’t worry, Kiwi will bring you another puppy.” I didn’t believe him, but five days later, I found a puppy wandering in the parking lot of the grocery store, and no one claimed her. We kept her and named her Chewy. Tex will bring you a new puppy, don’t worry. He knows you miss him.
Marna, I have been there with my loved pets & now I have 2 aging puppies. i feel your sorrow & your love for Tex. Hugs, my friend!
Oh Marna,
This is a beautiful piece. I absolutely adore this picture of you and Tex. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and please forgive me for finding out late. I’m certain he is hanging out with zip and they are discussing what fabulous lives they both had on this planet w/ you!
With lots of love and my condolences.
Rach