“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog” President Harry S Truman
The practical side of me knows that when a nearly 13-year-old diabetic dog gets that sick, he’ll probably die. He’s the animal equivalent of a 1974 Ford Pinto with 250,000 miles on it. But my practical side has no say in things when it comes to Banjo. My heart runs the ship.
Banjo is my Border Terrier. My dog. And my friend. When others who I believe in me let me down or betray me, Banjo’s there. He’s why dogs are called, “Man’s best friend.” And even in the ranks of dogs, there are none more loyal.
He nearly died yesterday. His glucose shot off the charts and he threw up and urinated all over the house. He laid on the couch and barely could lift his head. A $152 trip to the vet bought a reprieve but he then went downhill again yesterday afternoon. We thought we were going to lose him.
But Banjo is tough. As I sat there, holding him in my arms, I prayed for him. I know he won’t live forever. I just don’t think I can handle losing him right now. We lost his aunt, Molly last November. It was the same week I had been busted to part-time and Banjo and I became a two-person/dog support group. He was adjusting to being an only dog. I was adjusting to whatever the Hell my new reality was. He’d sit in my lap as I drew. He’d listen as I cursed the sky.
He’s lying on the bed right now. We have a blanket on him and he’s staring at me, half awake. He could barely walk this morning but has gotten stronger as the day has passed. At least he is eating. And I think we’ve gotten his glucose levels back under control.
I listened with interest to the opponents of the animal cruelty bill. Some seemed to think that we have a right to abuse dogs and cats because they are lesser creatures. I feel sorry for people like that. I guess they never had a dog like Banjo.
Here’s some advice he gave me earlier in the year. I don’t know how long I’ll have Banjo in my life. But I thank God for every day He keeps him around.
This made me cry HARD. Marshall, I am praying that you’ll have Banjo with you for much longer.
It made me cry too, Coop.
Banjo is special to me, even though I only know him through your writings. He is a symbol of strength and resilience: proof that even when the odds are against you, you can keep on going. He’s an inspiration. Diabetes is not an easy disease for a human to have: I can’t imagine trying to manage it with a pup.
Thanks for sharing him with us. Give him an extra hug for me.
I pray that he will continue to comfort you and that you continue to comfort him. Prayers for Banjo.
I hope dear little Banjo recovers………it’s such a bloody wrench to lose them-just heartbreaking……
Love Lynda XX
Humans that have never loved a dog have missed out on one of the finer things in life.
AMEN!
I thank The Lord everyday that I got to love my Terry Bradshaw (pussycat) I think The Lord rejoices when we love an animal as such/ Prayers for you and y’all today.
The definite true meaning of Man’s Best Friend!!
Oh, I pray you can keep Banjo a while longer! We have a miniature dachshund named Dexter that has had 2 back surgeries and is now somewhat lame in his back legs. My, how we love that little dog–we have no children, so he is like a child to us. I dread the day when we have to say good-bye–he will be 11 years old this month. Pray we get to keep him a couple more years!
Hugs and prayers for Banjo and for you, Marshall, and your family.
So sorry about Banjo. May you have much more time with him, but if God decides to take him Home, you will know that he was loved well and that he loved well. God bless you all!
God puts pets in our lives for companionship and for mutual love and respect. I’ve had pets most of my life and when they’ve died — or worse, when I had to make that decision to let them go — I’ve grieved as they were human. When Banjo does leave, grieve for a little while and then get another one. God has another one for you that needs you as much as you need him. Praying for you and your family which, of course, includes Banjo.
I’m rooting for Banjo! Praying for healing for him, and many more days of companionship and trust between the two of you ….
“No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-bye.” Like Mollie, I lost my little Bit-boo last November. She was 15 years old. The hole in my heart still aches. Please know that we are keeping you and your sweet Banjo in our prayers. Every day is a gift!
I’m praying for Banjo too! This makes me cry out loud :-(
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