creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
I got the sad news today from my ex that Cadu has left this earth. This loyal black lab was the sister of Mickey, the brown lab who stands in for me on my various avatars and this web site banner. We got both puppies in 2001, partly as a means of getting over the loss of a predecessor dog, MC Fudge.
creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
Her name was chosen as a shortened version of Caduceus, the staff of Hermes that is the symbol of medicine, of health. Metaphorically, of the healing of the loss of Fudge. The irony was that as a puppy, Cadu was really sick! She was lethargic for a puppy, lost a lot of fur, and overweight. But thanks to the staff of Hermes and our veterinarian, she was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. A pill a day got her into fine dog shape, for 13 years of hiking, swimming, playing in the snow, and doing the stuff that dogs do.
creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
I last saw her over a year ago, and while her muzzle had gone all grey, she was the same bundle of happy dog I always knew.
On the same day Cadu left us, I got word that my step-daughter gave birth to a son. There might be a virtuous circle of life at work there. Maybe.
Where-ever you go Cadu, I know it will be with ferocious life spirit.
creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by cogdogblog
This photo (and the one at the top) was from was my last time with her here in Strawberry. I will try and hold into the caption I wrote for that photo 6 years ago– “We should all try going full speed and let our ears flop.”
Alan, my condolences on your loss! I was moved by your memorable descriptions and vivid images!
Stephen
Thanks much Stephen. I’m not seeing any east trips in a while, but if you are in BC this winter, I am in Kamloops Oct-March and probably Vancouver for the holidays. Otherwise, I will see you on the radio waves.
Hey Alan,
So sorry to hear about Cadu, I know how hard it is to lose our dog friends. Whether they be part of our immediate family or part of the extended one. Isn’t it great that these creatures are such an integral part of our lives?
Trust you are well and are doing interesting things…
Regards
Deb
Thanks Deb- I know that you know about these dog connections!
Oh Alan, I am so sorry for the loss of Cadu. Having lost my dog recently I know the pain of losing our beloved dogs. I remember visiting you all those years ago and playing with both of your dogs. Congrats to Allison on the birth of her son. The cycle of life continues.
I do not know about any dog connections, but your post certainly will convince anyone that they exist.
I love the statement “We should all try going full speed and let our ears flop.†Dogs can show us something!
RIP Cadu. What a full on wonderful life you loved and lived…
Alan,
What a beautiful tribute to Cadu– she was a lovely lady.
I hope your precious memories help to ease the great sadness that comes from the loss of a four legged family member.
Awww, what a sweet girl. So sorry to hear that she’s gone. That’s great news about the new baby.