Those of you who have followed my blog are familiar with our wonderful beagle, Jello. Last month I featured her on Lens-Artists Challenge #178. Sadly, last week Jello passed away from congestive heart failure. She was with us at the condo and went peacefully in the night with us by her side. Dog lovers know how difficult it is to lose your loved furry family member, and how important it is to remember the joy they brought into our lives.
For this week’s challenge, I offer a short-short story that I wrote from Jello’s perspective. It tells of a real event from one of our walks that most certainly was memorable to me!
Jello’s Spring Adventure ~ ©Lindy Le Coq
It was early one morning last spring when we were at our forever condo. Mom was making coffee and fixing my breakfast, while I sat patiently looking out the sliding-glass door for deer. Suddenly I saw something move through the undergrowth and amble across the meadow. It was big and round, certainly not a deer, so I started baying like crazy and tried to climb through the glass. Mom came right over, but wouldn’t even open the door to let me out! I could hardly believe it, so I just kept baying and complaining until the thing disappeared into the forest. Then I had breakfast.
Mom always takes too much time getting herself organized for our walks, and this morning she was even slower than usual. When I finally was able to sniff around where I’d seen the thing, the scent was getting cold, so I just stored that smell away and focused my nose on the trail to the beach.
A day or so later, on a walk back from the beach, I smelled it again. My hackles lifted, and I started into a deep throaty growl to get Mom’s attention. Then, there it was crossing the trail just ahead of us. On stiff legs, I trotted forward and started into a full bay. Mom freaked out, and yelled at the top of her lungs the one word she knows I’ll obey, STOP!!!!! I did, and the thing took off like a shot through the underbrush into the forest, while I turned back to sniff its trail.
Mom praised me big time for doing as she had asked. She told me the thing was a young Black Bear, and we don’t want to mess with bears. I didn’t much like its odor anyway. Besides, Mom lets me chase deer through the dunes when we’re out on our walks, and though I never catch up with them, its great fun to try!
Wherever your travels take you, please remember to be kind and stay safe.🐾
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Sometimes it’s best not to get what we want.
Oh my! 😮 And then I’m scared my bestia and I will run into a boar. Beautifully told. Maybe you can collect more stories like this one for a book. I’d love to read it. Memories are forever, even if our friends have to go so soon.
Thank you, Manja. A boar can be as scary as a bear! I have a few stories, and will write more I’m sure.
So sorry to hear of your loss. This hits close to home as one of our pups is sick at the moment.
Sending you lots of loving thoughts for the health of your pup. They are such special members of the family and very hard to lose.
Thanks Lindy. She’s such a force – all 12 lbs of her – but lately she’s been lethargic, refusing food. It’s so concerning. Hopefully we are on the right track now.
Nooooooo! Sooooo sorry to hear about Jello. A wonderful tribute you’ve written.
Thank you, John. We knew our time with Jello was limited – still her loss hurt hard. We already have two rescue beagles adopted who will arrive to our home mid February. There will be more beagle adventures in the future with 6 yr. old brother sister Max and Daisy.
Wow. Cool. Glad you are ‘jumping back in’. 👍
A special dog. I’m sorry to hear Jello passed away though peacefully. Jello’s story shows how you understood each other…a pleasure to read.
Thank you, Janice. She was a love and we miss her very much. So glad you enjoyed the story!
Love her story, Lindy – and it shows how deep your relationship was. Dear Jello. So many lovely photos you have shared with her in them. I think one of my favourites was where she is spotted between the dunes, in the sun. Cameras are invaluable, memories will stay forever even without them though…Long time companions never fade.
So true, Ann-Christine. Thank you for your compliments and thoughtful response. I can’t be dog-less for long or I get depressed. There are more beagles in my future!
♥
Oh, Lindy, I am so sorry you have lost sweet Jello. We almost always outlive our pets and it is just heartbreaking when they leave us. I send you a virtual hug, and thank you for sharing the story. One thing that helps me deal with death is remembering the lost loved one is not in pain, we are. I hope Jello is cavorting on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge (maybe it’s safe to chase bears there!)
Thank you, Jill. I love your image of Jello cavorting on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Jello. I love the story of the bear from her point of view.
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the story!
Rest in peace, Jello. Dogs get so woven into our lives that their loss is felt for a very long time. Take care and virtual hugs to you.
Thank you so much🐾