We had to say goodbye to Cora two weeks ago tomorrow. Turns out she was ours for just two years. What a sweet, little love bug, and every minute with her was worth all the sadness we’re feeling now.
Charlie and me were hoping we’d have her longer. Cora would have been thirteen in August, so not that old for a small dog. But see, she got cancer, and about six months ago we knew it was only a matter of time.
Cora died as she lived, with grace, dignity and love. She went downhill quickly, and there was no question it was time. Wanting to please us right ’til the end, like dogs do. She spared us the long lingering illness and the doubt that we were doing the right thing.
Cora will be our last dog. Why? Because you can’t improve on perfection. Charlie and me are both a little lost without a her to mark our day with walks and cuddles, welcome homes and I can’t believe you’re going out without me. There is no one to watch me cook supper or supervise Charlie working in the yard.
Charlie no longer wonders if I’m speaking to the dog or him. And I can’t pretend I’m talking to the dog when I’m really talking to myself. As I said to Charlie the other day, “How are we going to know someone’s at the door without Cora making a fuss?”
We’re adapting, of course, and we have such happy memories to comfort us. Every time I feel myself getting sad, I try to focus on how lucky we were to have loved and be loved by that shining light that was Cora. Here’s Charlie’s spin on it.
The Blue Beyond
Our first dog was athletic
How she loved to chase the ball!
Our second was a rascal
But to Ida, was a doll
With Cora, though, I think perhaps
Of her we were most fond
We sent her on her way today
Off to the Blue Beyond
These last few weeks, it was hard
To see her go downhill
She knew that she was failing
But she tried to please us still
Her tumors, they’d have vanished
If we’d had a magic wand
We sent her on her way, instead
Off to the Blue Beyond
The Blue Beyond’s where good dogs go
When they run out of steam
Where they can go chase chipmunks
Or just lie around and dream
Leashes, collars, aren’t allowed
Inside this wondrous park
No one’s there to make them sit
Or tell them not to bark
It’s weird to have her not around
To greet us at the door
Weird for us to see no bed
Or toys upon the floor
Cora was a special dog
With her we shared a bond
So with a tear we let her go
Off to the Blue Beyond
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Adieu, Cora
Upcoming Shows
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Makin’ Whoopie!, 7:00, The Footlights Theatre, Falmouth, ME