Mocha Dies

　　Last night, Mocha, our dog, died at the age of 6 years and 3 months after an initial recovery. My wife and I have been taking care of Mocha for the past two weeks. He got back on his feet once, but eventually he couldn't come back to us. I'm writing about him in this entry.
　　He came to my house about 6 years ago from a breeder. He was small and cute. My daughters were so delighted to spend time with him. In due course, the eldest two daughters entered university and left home. Naturally, Mocha became most attached to the youngest daughter. She also loved him and was crazy about him. Shampooing Mocha was her task during his life. I've never shampooed him.
　　He was originally clever and in addition was trained by a professional trainer. His behaviour was perfect during his walks and I really enjoyed walking him around my house. He was popular among the neighbors. Every time I walked him, some strangers spoke to me asking something about him, like his age, name, character and so on. They were also dog-lovers. Walking on my day-offs was apt to get longer and it was good for my health.
　　Just after he expired, I hurried to the shop which sells dry ice. I bought some dry ice and flowers for him. My wife made a makeshift coffin and his body was put into it gently with dry ice and flowers. His remains will be cremated tomorrow and placed in a public pet's graveyard 30 minutes away from my house. I want to believe that he lived his own happy life with my family. He left good memories for us on our behalf.
　　Thank you, Mocha. We'll never forget you and will visit your tomb from time to time.
　　Additionally, I've left several e-mails and comments unreplied for a week. I'm sorry and I'll reply soon.

(Vocabulary)
after an initial recovery  一度は持ち直したが
get back on one's feet （病気などの悪い状態から）回復する
attached  《[名]の前不可》 愛着［愛情］を感じた, 情がわいた
[＋attached to]
We are careful not to let the animals become too attached to us. 動物が人間に甘えすぎないように注意しています．
in addition その上
cremate 火葬する

 

Comments

[KUMO]

Thanks Peter!

[KUMO]

Thanks Shiroi Tora

>Children and animals...they represent all that is good and pure in the world.

I really agree to this phrase. Your comment comforted me. Thanks.

[Shiroi Tora]

Although dogs lives are short...they have a big impact on our lives because they naturally have all the best traits in humans. They are pure of heart...courageous...filled with energy...affection and love. They are above all else...loyal. Their love is so complete and unconditional...they teach us how to love deeply and completely. Children and animals...they represent all that is good and pure in the world.

It is especially good when both give to each other...both are strengthened by it...and so...both profit tremendously from the experience.

I am sure Mocha had a greatly fulfilled life. He was greatly loved, as evidenced by your care of him, before, as well as after, death.

Your family is better because of their experience with Mocha...Mocha was very happy to have felt the great love of his family...which was you and yours. Both...it seems...were very fortunate to have had each other.

[Peter]

I share your loss, Peter.