It's with heavy broken heart, I dedicate this post to my chocolate Labrador Retriever Delilah! She suffered a stroke on Tuesday and had to be put down with her loving family at her side. Pictured above is my daughter who is the same age as Delilah, and our tabby cat Bones who passed away Christmas of 2007! Delilah had just turned 14 in January 2009!
Delilah was a gorgeous pup. I picked her out of a litter which had 3 chocolate labs. She grabbed my attention immediately with her dark chocolate coat! We had bred our Sampson with a friends black Labrador, and Delilah was my first pick! The Labs were all AKC registered!
At the time we had Delilah in our home, we also had her father Sampson, and a dropped off Tabby stray Bones cat. I had just given birth to my daughter. My house and heart were overflowing with love!
Sampson taught Delilah every trick he knew, like running away, rolling in cow patties, laying in mud puddles, and dousing themselves in the perfume of putrid dead animals!
Sampson and Delilah swam in our swimming pool every Summer! My husband taught them to climb up the ladder to get out. We would throw their toys in and they would retrieve them, sometimes actually going under the water to get them! The chlorine however, was very hard on their skin taking out their natural oils. But at least I knew the water was clean that they were swimming in. The past couple years, Delilah was unable to swim in the pool, due to her joint problems, and not being able to pull herself up the ladder. They loved swimming in the pool!
When Sampson died, Delilah and Bones were best buddies often sleeping together!
When my Father-In-Law became ill, we frequently took care of his beagle puppy Snoopy. Delilah tolerated his young playfulness. She was already 12 by then, so we decided not to keep Snoopy because he would jump on her back all the the time!
When my Father-In-Law became ill, we frequently took care of his beagle puppy Snoopy. Delilah tolerated his young playfulness. She was already 12 by then, so we decided not to keep Snoopy because he would jump on her back all the the time!
When my Bones cat died the Christmas before last, I was so sad. I went out and adoted my new Cat OP from a shelter in my area. Delilah once again opened her heart to let another animal into our lives. OP was so afraid of Delilah, but they soon became best friends sleeping together everyday beside my desk!
Here is the last photo I shot of Delilah, when we had our last snow storm. She loved to stick her nose deep down in the snow, adding more white to her graying fur! I'm missing her so deeply, and my walks will never be the same without my Delilah!
I gave my life to her, and she gave her life to me unconditionally! My babies are all buried together in the same spot, by my tree stand. Saying goodbye is the hardest part of living to me! OP is not sure what to do without his buddy sleeping beside him, and keeps looking toward the door for Delilah to come in! Our home is so void, and quiet without her! Most of all I miss looking into those big browns always greeting me with a wagging tail. Delilah was a true blessing to our lives!
I can't wait to meet my babies on the otherside, down Heaven's country road! Tomodomo "together in company," as my Japanese cousin says!
Read a previous post of Delilah's life here: An Autumn Walk With My Delilah Dog
