Yesterday Luke, my brother-in-law’s Rottweiler of over 14 years, died.
Luke joined the family in the summer of 2000. Brian (brother-in-law), Michael and Danny (Father-in-law) worked together and Luke would come to work with Brian. Our beagle, Riley, had been going to work with Michael for more than six months. One day the cutest little puppy showed up. Not one to share attention, Riley had to get used to this puppy who could literally walk under him.
It didn’t take long for Luke to OUTGROW Riley. I don’t think Riley ever got over that. After all, he was the elder dog. Luke towered over Riley but never lorded over him. Luke was the ultimate nice guy. They quickly became life long friends.
Here is a picture of Luke during Thanksgiving in 2003.
My mother-in-law’s side of the family are ranchers that live in the Tygh Valley which is in Central Oregon. Our families loved to camp in the area. We have so many good memories of all of us and the two dogs exploring the land.
Riley was usually the dog getting into trouble. That nose would take him anywhere. If Luke wasn’t able to get anyone to play ball he was often side by side with Riley. As a matter of fact Riley owes Luke his life. On one particular camping trip in spring Riley must have followed his nose into a coyote den. Short and squatty, he couldn’t run as fast as those coyotes. They got a hold of his hind end, both sides, and tore him up. He shouldn’t have survived. Best we can figure is Luke heard the ruckus and ran to Riley’s aid.
Camping together was something we always looked forward to. Luke and Riley couldn’t get enough of the great outdoors. Exploring together. Best friends until the end, which for Riley was July 2013. Luke looked for his friend for a while before accepting that he was gone.
This was Christmas Eve 2013. Luke’s body was failing but his spirit was as young as ever. Karren (mother-in-law) often put some sort of Christmas decoration on Luke. He was happy to do whatever Karren wanted.
This was the last time we saw Luke. It was at Nicholas’ last birthday party in December.
The best friends are together again. Luke walking with a tennis ball in his mouth next to Riley who is following his nose to the closest source of food.
We will miss you Luke.
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. Jesus is the great comforter. Turn to Him.
Love,
Karen
Thank you God, for dog-loving people. God knew we need dogs as much as they need us. Heart-breaking to have to say good- bye.
Yes, God is good and so thoughtful.
Looking through so many pictures last night I saw my mom’s dog “Millie” who died seven years ago, my Dad’s dog “Gidget” who died a couple of years ago and our dog “Riley”.
And now it is Luke. It is hard. When I wrote that first line I started to cry.
Enjoy your day,
Karen
He was beautiful. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you. I feel really bad for my brother-in-law. We knew it was coming but still…
Karen
We all loved Luke. Be comforted in knowing he is in heaven now and feels no pain.
Lisa
Yes. He died peacefully and now he can do everything he wasn’t able to do the past few years.
Hugs,
Karen