I always knew that the first thing I would do when Heidi and I bought our first house was get a dog. My parents would never allow us kids to have a dog, and so I relished the opportunity to become a dog owner if for nothing else, to express my own freedom and independence.
Soon after moving into our house, we did our research and determined that a labrador retriever was the perfect dog for us. Labs are rugged for hiking, camping, and fishing, are loyal and kind, and have a great overall temperament. Ultimately, we found ourselves at a backyard breeder's house in Magna, where we picked the liveliest pup in the litter (marking her toenail with nail polish so we wouldn't confuse her with the others), and brought her home. At six weeks old, Daisy became the newest member of the Goodrich family.
From the moment we brought her home, Daisy was both a frustration and a joy. She frustrated us by jumping
on relatives, chewing and biting everything in sight (including our clothes and appendages), and otherwise raising hell. Nonetheless, she was an endless point of amusement as we observed her antics and continually commented on how she was such a sassy little miss. She got Heidi and I out on nightly walks, hikes in the mountains, and camping adventures. Taking care of Daisy's needs really just became an excuse for us to build our relationship, plan for the future, and talk about our hopes and dreams every single day.
As time passed, the hoped-for and expected children didn't come. Instead, it was Daisy (and later, Jax), and just Heidi and I. As silly as it sounds, Daisy really did become a part of our family. She gave us unconditional loyalty and naughtiness, and we simply shook our heads and muttered about how disobedient and hyper she was, while loving her the entire time. Later, when we adopted Tiana, Daisy helped ease the way for Tiana's transition, because the home where Tiana came from also had a lab. Daisy's presence helped Tiana feel comfortable and familiar when she joined our family. Up to today, Daisy had been with us for almost seven years--the majority of our marriage. I can honestly say that Daisy made my life and our family's life fuller and more meaningful.
Today, however, our adventures with Daisy came to an abrupt and tragic end. This morning Daisy got into some slug and snail bait that we sprinkled in the flower beds last night. Unbeknownst to us, slug and snail bait is palatable to some dogs, and also extremely toxic (metaldehyde). After ingesting the bait this morning, Daisy began having muscle spasms, shakes, and seizures. She then laid down to rest on the lawn near her kennel, and she died there within a few minutes. Heidi called me at work and told me between tears what had happened. I immediately headed home. When I got there, Daisy was laying where she died, covered with a blanket. We dug a grave for Daisy and buried her in the southeast flower bed by the corner of our property. We had a mini-funeral of sorts, and Heidi, Tiana, and I all talked about our favorite things about Daisy. Heidi liked Daisy's never-ending energy, Tiana liked that sometimes Daisy would hold still enough to be petted, and I liked that Daisy was always a loyal friend who thought I was the greatest person in the world without regard to my numerous faults.
Daisy was a good dog who meant a lot to Heidi and I, and we're devastated that she's gone so suddenly and under such preventable, and therefore tragic, circumstances. We were only just beginning to enjoy the mellowness that came on as Daisy aged. Nonetheless, we're grateful to her for her companionship and loyalty. Daisy truly was a blessing in our lives that came at just the right time--when we needed her. Happy trails, Old Girl. We'll miss you. R.I.P.
