Tissue Alert!
Hobbes, the Wheaten Terrier, lived a wonderful life with us for over 11 years. On Labor Day 2018, Hobbes collapsed due to a tumor in his pericardium. His prognosis was grim. “A dog with this tumor lives on an average 11 days after the fluid is drained.” Our reaction was shock and fearing his death.
Flash forward to January 29, 2019 – Hobbes earned his Angel Wings after celebrating every day for 148 days. His death is sad and also joyful. We’re so grateful for the extra time we spent building wonderful memories and stories.
Today I’m sharing some of Hobbes experiences I observed and heard as an animal communicator. Also two dogs connection in life and death.
Both John and I saw “the look” after a long walk. Hobbes would stand on the sidewalk looking down at the garage. He was telling us he wanted to go for a ride. Sometimes he got the ride and sometimes we went inside.
On Friday, January 11th, Hobbes BFF, Sophie the Westie, left for several months in Tucson, Arizona. The night before, we had dinner with Sophie and her people. We thought the dogs had said their goodbyes. We weren’t sure what the future would bring
The next morning Hobbes insisted on walking to Sophie’s house. He never walked that way in the morning. I told him Sophie wasn’t home. He insisted and we went. He led the way to her front door and up the steps. I reminded him she was gone. He stood there and turned around. And we continued our walk.
A few minutes later I heard, “I want to talk to Sophie.” I said, “Talk to her.” Hobbes said, “I don’t know how.” Remember they were very close and communicated whenever they greeted each other and more.
I said, “Talk to Sophie like you talk to me.” “Okay,” he said. A few minutes later I heard a very animated, “I talked to her. I talked to her.” Remember Sophie was in a car headed past Omaha, Nebraska.
“Do you want me to check that she got the message?” “Yes.”
I connected with Sophie as we walked. Sophie told me he said, “Have a good life.” Tears flowed down my face in the frigid Minneapolis morning. I gave Hobbes the message. “Yep, that’s right!” I swear he started prancing.
On Monday January 28, Hobbes and I went for our lunch-time walk. It was just before the Polar Vertex and comfortable outside. We both wore our boots and coats. As usual, Hobbes was doing a self-directed walk. As soon as we walked down 42nd Street, I knew Hobbes’ destination. We crossed Xerxes and his pace picked up. All morning he was sleeping really deep and I didn’t think we would walk far. Well, I was wrong! I asked, “Are you on a rally?” “Yep!”
Hobbes headed to his favorite hardware store, Settergren’s, for treats. I took off his leash. He marched up the automatic door and headed to the counter for his reward. The staff gave him a huge greeting. After getting treats, he went back to the shop dog’s food dish. It was empty. Time to work the staff for treats. I told them I thought it was his last visit. They were grateful to see him.
We headed home at a much slower pace. We walked almost 1½ miles in our journey. Then Hobbes went back to sleep until John came home.
That night he couldn’t make it up the stairs because I touched his collar. He’d lost his momentum.
The next morning John and I made our decision to help him across Rainbow Bridge. Everything just came together and his favorite clinic, Lake Harriet Vet, had lots of openings. Maybe the Polar Vortex was working in our favor.
When we arrived, John helped Hobbes out of the car. Hobbes marched John to the door and started saying hello to the staff. The staff loved Hobbes and it showed. It was so peaceful and the staff was fantastic. Hobbes earned his Angel Wings at 5:40 pm. We headed home without our guy. Day 148!
Sophie’s people knew the time of Hobbes’ appointment. Now they were in Tucson. I texted to tell him Hobbes had his Angel Wings. Rick texted back, “Sophie knew.”
About an hour later I called Rick. Sophie is a very quiet dog in the car. She sits quietly or looks out the window. Suddenly Sophie is jumping around the back seat! She put her front feet on the console and starts licking Rick’s cheek. She won’t stop. Rick looked at the clock 4:45 MST – exactly 5 minutes after Hobbes left us! Yes, Sophie knew her best friend was gone. Yes Hobbes and Sophie shared an beautiful relationship — two dogs connection in life and death.
The next morning, Pets Remembered Cremation, called to say they had his body. I lost it. I walked over to his bed where I joined him for my meditations. I curled up and sobbed. Then I felt at peace.
The next day I picked up Hobbes ashes and placed them on the fire place. After reviewing my good friend, Kim Julen’s blog on Feng Shui and ashes I knew I had a better spot. He is now between the photos of our parents on a small round table in the spot where he slept during the day.
I think people are surprised we aren’t emotional messes about Hobbes death. Actually, we are so grateful for the extra 148 days — where we made memories and lived life to the fullest. Hobbes guided us and we followed. He was our teacher in life and death.
Thank you, Hobbes, for being in our lives and being my business partner for over 11 years. Thanks for agreeing to staying on (as business partner) and helping me as I continue my business journey.
