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Friday, May 11, 2018

Troy



Keith and I had been dating for a few months when he decided he wanted a dog and the dog had to be a Golden Retriever. He found a breeder and we went off one day to choose a puppy. As we approached the cage filled with tiny fluff balls Keith spotted two lone pups out of the corner of his eye and asked about them. I can't remember the exact response, I think it was that they had gotten too old and everyone wanted puppies. They were brothers, around 4 or 5 months old and Keith said "I want that one". And "that one" came to forever be known as Troy.

I don't think I've ever known more gentle and yet strange boy. What Retriever hates water? What Retriever cannot catch a ball nor has any interest in bringing it back to you? What Retriever wants chocolate over steak?

Troy came with us from South Africa, joining Dexter and Jessie in their new home. Being the third child he was always left to his own devices. He loved the cold so preferred to sleep with his nose under a door than snuggled up to a warm body. In South Africa he would spend the entire night sleeping outside on the grass. He loved people more than dogs, so much so that if left to his own devices he would follow certain people from the park. I remember having to run off and retrieve HIM many times!

There are too many moments to share, too many stories to tell, too many photos and videos that I am so thankful for because he will never be forgotten. How do you write about someone that has been a part of your life every single day for 14 years?

Today we bid the gentlest soul I have ever known farewell. It was a decision not taken lightly, there was nothing easy about this and yet at the same time it is a privilege and a gift to have been able to do it. It's been more than 2 years since Troy was rushed to the emergency vet with internal bleeding from a ruptured tumour. After that surgery we begged him to stay with us for one more summer despite being told he may not live past three or four months. He stayed around for a lot more than that.

We said goodbye at home, it was peaceful. I have never heard him snore that loud.

Our hearts are shattered. Goodbye golden boy. I will miss you forever.