The Swan Song of Coco Chanel
As an 11 year old Golden Retriever, I have experienced many excursions to my dog parents’ paradise at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. The 90 minute mountainous journey by SUV was always one that I looked forward to and cherished for some well deserved doggie R&R. Once the twists and turns of Route 42 were navigated, I always received a directive from my dog dad, “Almost there Cokie!” This prompted me to enjoy the scenery of a beautiful clear and clean Western Maryland lake out the back window and feel the tickle-belly tactility of the final 2 mile rollercoaster roadway to our destination. Upon arrival, it was always my duty to visit the neighbors announcing my presence and then the fun began as I freely roamed the peninsula.
However, unlike the many visits beforehand, this time the trip was much different. Sadly, a month previous, I was diagnosed with an incurable canine hermangiosarcoma of the spleen and my promised jaunt to my favorite place on earth was in jeopardy. As my comfort drugs were being administered, for weeks I dreamt of just one more visual of that lakefront Garden of Eden. Low and behold, as my body struggled with the wrath of the disease, a calm and assuring voice whispered in my ear, “Want to go to the Lake?” It was if the heavens opened and there, vividly, my dream came true. A 2-day flight on eagles wings was at hand!
Day 1: A tail wagging romp amid a slight western breeze with an ear to ear smile brought joy but following a full day of activities and a light food fare, my remanding energy was spent. A saving grace was the astonishing sunset I witnessed from our shoreline.
Day 2: The final day of stay found me flat out relaxing on the outdoor patio watching nature in full bloom. It was if God had spoken to the animals about my condition as the late morning consisted of visits from my friends. First it was the whitetail deer that approached the deck, nodded, and then silently exited, followed by several squirrels and one ornery chipmunk that scurried within a few feet of a downed retriever. As noontime approached and the skies became cloudy it was the soothing sounds of the honking geese descending upon the water that gave me peace. Shortly after, the rains began and quietly drenched the earth and it was as if the sky was crying for me.
It was an abnormal quiet trip home amid tears and grieving from my master. I sensed his hardship and once home I provided him a serene demeanor by wagging my tail and gently kissing his face when he asked me “Did you enjoy your trip to the Lake?” Fast forward 48 hours…it was my birthday amid acclamations of “Happy Birthday”, complete with photos, singing and cake. I was there but not really present as my parents provided loving care and support to no avail. It was that deafening swan song again as I listened to the geese again on the pond near my home and a visit from a Red Cardinal that provided me a tranquil finality to time spent. My crossing of the Rainbow Bridge was completed at 8:15 PM on the 4,015th day of my life and I am thankful for all my dear human and animal friends who were aboard for the ride!
Signed, Coco Chanel of Hightor
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