My boy and I are spending time together – just the two of us. Since Don has been taking Scout on a daily walk lately, Riley and I have been hanging out. If you don’t know Riley’s story, we rescued him when he was about 2 years old. He had been found on the streets of Patterson, NJ. Not long after we adopted him, we discovered he had heartworm. Thanks to my wonderful friends at the animal hospital where I was working part-time, he came through with flying colors.
Riley was neglected and abused before we found him. He didn’t know how to relate to humans. He was a little like a wild dog. But I could see a sweet disposition underneath all that. There are still things that scare him: reaching for his collar, coming at him from behind, touching his ears or his paws. If scared enough, he’ll bite. He’s come a long way, from a dog that couldn’t ask for attention to a boy who needs and wants attention. I can pet him now. I can lean down near his face and whisper to him, stroke him, and he is no longer scared.
Those eyes. They are the eyes of a gentle soul, who never deserved what happened to him as a young boy. We really don’t know his age but we estimate it to be around 10. We’ve had him for 8 years and what a gift he has been. There were times I was afraid of him; afraid he would bite me, afraid he would bite someone else. I truly believe he has come to me as a teacher and a guide. For he has taught me patience. He has taught me to love unconditionally. He is my very special boy.
He has a debilitating disease of the lower spine and pelvis that will eventually take him from us. Going on a walk is a tough thing for him. We must walk very slowly and he gets tired quickly. Scout, who just turned 13, is the youngest 13 year old dog I know and needs lots of exercise. So Riley and I hang out together. I give him some special treats and hug him and tell him that I love him and to please, please stay with us as long as he can.
My babies are aging. And I simply cannot bear the thought of losing them. They are my children. Not ‘like’ my children. They are my children. I love them with all my heart.
We’ve had several scares with Riley – times where we thought we were losing him. But he has nine lives, this survivor, and I’m so grateful he does. He walks like a very old dog. Toward the end of the day, he can no longer hold his hind quarters up. We lift him up and down the stairs to the den. He can no longer consistently control his bowels. Some days are good, others are no so good. He’s pretty stoic, but I can only imagine the pain he must be in.
I call him “Handsome.” Don calls him “Rye Bread.”
He’s a gift, a treasure, a teacher and an angel.
Poor sweet baby. I pray he is with you for a long long time. I hate the fact that dogs don’t live longer. I mean why do sea turtle and parrots get to live so long but the animal that shows so much love for us don’t? My Max is just 3 and we got him from a shelter and couldn’t imagine a better sweeter dog. The love in this post is overwhelming Claudia I am having trouble seeing the keyboard; the tears keep coming.
Blessings, Joanne
Your post about Riley is very touching. He does have sweet, gentle eyes. It’s so sad what some poor animals go through because of some people’s cruelty. He was very blessed that you found him and yes, you were also blessed to have found him. The love and affection that we get from our pets sometimes compensates for many things. A beloved pet can contribute enormously to our lives.
That is so sweet, Claudia! I love animals and I agree that we learn a lot from them. Riley is a lucky boy to have you!!
Awww, what a sweet, special post Claudia. Riley does have gentle eyes. He’s one lucky boy to have you!
-Lynn
Riley is simply beautiful! He has come a long way and I hope that you can hold on to him as long as possible. They really are our children…sweet, dependent and lovable. I really love this post, Claudia!
XO,
Jane
As I read about Riley the tears were streaming down my face. As you know we lost our beautiful Duffy 1 month ago. He was 14 years old. Penny is still with us, she is also around 14. Both were adopted. This is the first time we have not gotten another dog after losing one. We have always had two or three. Penny is so set in her ways, she never got along with any other dog but Duffy. She misses him. We miss him every day. My heart is with you Claudia, the hardest thing in the world is to lose your beloved pet, the one who always has a wagging tail for you, the one with the unconditional love. Pet them and hold them and love them everyday, Riley knows what wonderful parents he has, you chose him.
hugs,
Sue
Hi Claudia, Oh what a beautiful post and what a beautiful boy. I am so happy that he found you. Dog’s are so special, our dog is 12 this year and it is hard to see her getting older, they just don’t live long enough. Thank you for sharing your boy with us. Happy New Year! Hugs, Terri
Such a sweet, handsome boy. I totally understand how your dogs are your children. There really is a special bond, and I know he must love you a lot.
Hugs,
Jill
Oh Claudia, this brings tears to my eyes. I’m so glad that you rescued the little guy and that you love him so. He’s got a good life now and he’s so very special.
I pray that you will have him for a very long time. My kitties are my babies, so I understand exactly what you mean. I truly believe that our pets are gifts from God.
hugs
Sissie
Every word touched me. Our dog, Kane came to us through rescue and he had been abused. We have had him now over 10 years and all those years I worried about him biting someone as he was a fear biter when I found him. He was fine with his family but had no need for anyone else and if someone would go to pet him he would pull back and pace. If they didn’t get the message he would show his teeth. This was a tremendous responsibility for Gary and I but we took it on. Needlesstosay, we have not travelled together much in ten years as his bond with us is so strong that he pines for us when we leave him. These dogs are known to bond even tighter with their owners and that is what our dog has done over the years. He loves us so much and we love him. I can’t imagine losing him either. So, I understand fully how you feel and pray that you have him for sometime yet.
It’s so hard when our beloved pets get old…we don’t want to give them up, but they seem to know when it’s time. Our old corgi knew that the time had come 18 months ago. We didn’t want to let him go and tried everything to revive him, but he was tired and sick.
We now have another young corgi, but we’ve quickly learned that older folks should stick to older dogs. He really needs a more active household, but we love him – even if he wears us out.
Riley, you are the sweetest boy and your Aunt Mere loves you very much. That Scoutie is a bit of a picture hog, she is often found lurking in the back of a picture, so I am glad your Mom decided to give you full billing today. You are a lovely boy full of sweetness and love.
I wish I could give you a big hug right now.
Aunt Mere
heart-filled.
my two pups are getting old too (we’re guessing around 11) and they’re slowing down one day … messing about like pups another…
we love them dearly… and losing them would be gut-wrenching
Thank you so much for this post! And what a beautiful boy you have! I am blessed enough to be Mom to two little Pekes, one of which is a rescue found on the streets of Memphis. His story sounds so much the same as yours with Reily. We have had him for almost six years now and my life is so truly blessed for the opportunity to be his Mom. My boys are my children and I can’t imagine my life without him. They are now 13 and 10 – and I shiver at the thought of the day they are no longer with us. Enjoy your babies while they are with you and the blessings of joy they bring to your life. Hug them an extra time today for me! Blessings.
Belinda
What a wonderful story. Our Emma had two calcified disks in her lumbar spine which caused her pain and affected her quality of life. My vet recommended that Emma see an acupuncturist, and her treatments gave her great relief. Perhaps this may be an option for Riley.
Claudia
I kept writing about my wonderful tabby cat (who had lymphoma and died in 2010) and then deleting the lengthy comments. Briefly, my Sam received wonderful care and I got support from both the veterinarian and the warmhearted staff at her animal hospital. Enough on that, you have your boy, Riley, to think about.
Take care,
Karen
All right, I have to just say that Riley is one of the most beautiful… (Sorry, Riley)…. I meant to say the most HANDSOMEST furkid I’ve ever seen. I love his coloring and those floppy ears. (I have a weakness for floppy eared dogs. My brother has one, and I used to a long time ago).
I could tell right away that Riley has a sweet soul. I hope these golden years of his are kind one’s. It’s wonderful that he has a loving family to look after him, and also Scout as another doggie companion.
Kristin
Our pups are our children too. It has taken a piece of my heart each time we have lost one throughout the years. All a person can do is just love them as much as is humanly possible until their day comes. Riley is such a fabulous looking dog! Our last rottweiler’s name was Handsome. :-))
Riley is so sweet, and He couldn’t be more loved ~ the match was meant to be. May his life continue to bring you all joy as long as possible. xo
He sure looks like a sweet soul! My rescue Dillon had heartworm too and had some fear issues to overcome with trusting us, but he really flourished. So nice to read about Riley~he is a love and I am so glad he got a nice home.
I can totally relate. My Sophie was a puppy mill breeder. She was doing so well on her joint supplements and she is happy here but this week it is a raging skin infection and all food is taken away from her BUT her dog food. It will be a long month :( Also Molly has a large mass (only fat) that has to come off before it gets too big :( :(
Riley is a lucky dog. But I know how you feel I learned to be a dog mom with my Casey, how to help a scared dog with Molly, And Sophie is on her way to teaching me about how it feels to be a client at a Vet not just the one working there. I would NOT trade it for the world! Hug your kids for me!
Hugs,Lisa
And you are his angel of mercy. What a sweet handsome boy he is. I loved this post, Claudia. I’m about to start bawling over all the love exhibited in your house.
Brenda
Our furry ones are children. I wish they had longer lives. Loosing a pet is so hard. Hopefully Riley has lots more days to share. He is beautiful. Glad he found you to love him.
Our Springer had surgery for cancer. The surgery was just awful. We didn’t know how long she would live. She gave us another 18 months. We cherished every day. ((((((HUGS)))))
What a special friend you have in Riley. I hope he will be with you for a good long time, Claudia. He looks so gentle and loving.
Cheryl
OH, Riley is such a handsome guy, you just want to shower him with kisses. We lost our 13 yo Malamute a few months ago and that was so painful. His brother lab is 8 yrs old and has always been outside w/him, and boy, did he grieve. I’d never seen it to that degree in dogs. So I let him in and he follows me everywhere now a days. And we’ve come to enjoy him all the more. Enjoy your precious days with him. He knows you love him so…Annette T
Sweet Riley. This posting touched my heart and soul. My eyes are welling up with tears because I could relate to the fear that you both felt at first. How wonderful that you developed a trusting relationship. I get it that Riley and Scout “are” your children. I don’t know if you have children, but I was never able to have any bilological children and my pups “are” my babies. I don’t know though, perhaps if I had children of my own, my pups would probably still be my babies because I connect on such a deep level with animals.
My dear snuggles (who passed away 10 years ago) was a rescue who had a fearful temperament and she did bite me once. I loved her so I kept her and we worked through it.
I hope you have a lot more time with Riley. It’s difficult to watch those we love go through the aging process. I can see you writng a book about him.
~Sandy
With tears running down my cheeks, I just finished reading your post, Claudia. I’m so glad that the stars aligned themselves so that Riley ended up with you and Don. Clearly God wanted to make sure he had the very best forever home to make up for the pain of his first years… Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Donna
He’s so precious! :-) My cats were my babies too. I miss them even now, after the last one went maybe five years ago. You’re enjoying the time you have–that is a good thing. :-) Jennifer
What a beautiful and touching post Claudia. Riley looks like a very sweet boy.
I have two dogs, one is 13, and I worry for that day when we lose her. I love my girls so much.
You and Riley are lucky to have each other. I’ve had to say goodbye to 2 very special dogs in my life and I miss them every day.
Love to you both,
S
xo
Your baby, Riley, is so sweet. I don’t even want to think about the horrible life he must have had before he was rescued and came to live with you. So glad he has had these 8 happy years living with you and Don.
What a sweet boy. If I went through what he has, I’d bite too! I love the older doggies, they are so wise. He knows you love him, you can tell by his sweet face.
Claudia I truly understand your love and fear for Riley. Sweet boy and bless you for rescuing him. Ann
Such a sweet post. Our pets are such an important part of our families and give us so much love. My daughter and her family have two rescued dogs,one very old and one young. They have brought so much joy to her family. I know your time with Riley is very precious.
Laura
Sounds like a familars story to my Heidi who I lost this fall.
they learn to trust us, we fall in love and they ARE our children.
Riley is one lucky dog, and thank goodness you are his mommy.
Thank you for your tender post. Riley is such a handsome boy and a true gift…those furry friends really ARE our children and I pray that Riley is with you for a long time. :)
Claudia, I know exactly how you feel; my babies have 4 paws, too. I firmly believe we are brought together with our 4 legged family members for a reason. You are blessed with all the love Riley can give, and he is blessed with all the love you can give. You are both better for loving one another, and I hope you are together for a long, long time.
A truly touching tale of such a lovely boy. How lucky he was to find you all those years back, he couldn’t have been with a better set of parents!
I hope he stays longer but that his pain is controlled – it’s just too sad to see ones pets go downhill in their later years. It happened to our big, fluffy, ‘Miss Independent’ Tiny, whom we had to help make the journey to kitty heaven at age 21!
May your much-loved Riley be with you longer – those eyes are so full of the love I know he has for you too.
Mary X
Dear Claudia, he looks like the sweetest and most wonderful dog- yes I also love his eyes, — they speak of old sadness,and also tenderness- what a sweet dog.
Hugs,Dorthe
Such a precious boy! And he’s so blessed that you became his “mama”. Blessings on you both for loving times.
What a great soul he has. I can see it in his eyes. Who wants a perfect dog anyways? Glad to see you have hook in hand and our working on your shop. Can’t wait to see all your goodies. Happy the fog is lifting here. And pleased to know we aren’t the only one’s with weird weather. Don’t tell but I miss the snow. Kate
…and now I’m crying. Give Riley a kiss from me. I can’t imagine life without “my boy”.
He’s beautiful!
I just found your blog. What a beautiful post about your precious angel! What a blessing he had been! My furry babies, Bentley and Clarabel, bring me such joy each day!
I look forward to looking around your blog!
I know what you are saying! Love him while he is here…