Ruby’s waiting

About a month ago, my 86-year-old father fell in the bathroom at home and began bleeding into his brain. We don’t know if the fall caused the bleeding, or if he had a hemorrhagic stroke that caused him to fall. Either way, it resulted in a brain injury, which he has been unable to recover from.

When he visited our home, Dad  would walk in the door and wade through a boisterous greeting by my pups, saying “Hello dogalesses! Move out of the way, dogalesses!” and he’d reach out to pet all three.  When he sat down, Athena would stroll over to him and walk across his lap, stopping to sniff, inspect his lap, and offer a feline welcome. “What do you want, pussycat?” Dad would ask and gently stroke her head.

When Tucker joined the family, Dad told me how much the dog reminded him of Ruby, an Airedale Terrier who was his first dog. He remarked about it several times; I think he may have had a special connection to my scruffy pup.

Today, Dad–who loved to travel the world–starts hospice, and begins his final journey. I’ll be there to help him in whatever way I can.

I hope Ruby will be waiting for him on the other side to greet him .

 

Sepia photo with young boy and Airedale dog

Dad and Ruby circa 1930.

 

My father sitting next to my dog Tucker, who reminded him of his first dog ever, an AIredale Terrier named Ruby.

Dad and Tucker, 2014

 



13 Comments on "Ruby’s waiting"

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  1. I’m sure she will wait for your dad. I send a hug to your dad and to you…a big one.

  2. Brian Frum says:

    We are very sorry to hear that it is time for your Dad to make that journey but we know Ruby will be there with open paws. Hugs to you from all of us.

  3. meowmeowmans says:

    We are very sorry to hear that your dad has begun his final journey, but we know Ruby will be there to greet him when he arrives.

    Hugs and gentle purrs.

  4. Ellen Pilch says:

    I can tell your Dad is a very kind man from his photo. I will pray for him and your family during this difficult time.

  5. Emma says:

    So sorry to hear about your dad. Ruby will definitely be there to greet him!

  6. We’re sorry to hear about your dad. Comforting purrs to you. We’re sure Ruby will be there to greet him.

  7. Jan K says:

    Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. I have an aunt going through the exact same thing right now, only I’m not sure if she’s going to be able to go home (she also has tumors which might complicate things). I am sure that Ruby will be waiting there for your Dad, and what a wonderful reunion it will be! I hope that thought comforts you through the tough times ahead.

  8. Rebekah says:

    I am thinking of you and your family. I am sure Ruby is waiting for him.

  9. We are so sorry to hear that your dad is on his final journey, but we know that Ruby will be waiting for him. What a beautiful reunion it will be. Sending you and your family lots of purrs, love, and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

  10. Kitties Blue says:

    That was one of the things my dad wished for when he crossed over…that the dogs from his life would be waiting for him on the other side. I even mentioned it in his eulogy. I am sure that Ruby was waiting for your dad with tail wagging. Hugs, Janet

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