I have been delaying writing this blog entry for many different reasons. It's sometimes hard to be honest when you have different sorts agendas at work, such as trying to attract guests to stay at your hotel, not worrying your family, pretending your life is postcard perfect etc etc.
But I made a commitment to myself that this blog was going to be a place where I would try and live as openly and honestly as I can. The more uncomfortable I am about sharing certain events or feelings with everyone, the more successful I will be in my quest to shed all the crap I carry around.
A little over a week ago we were awoken in the middle of the night to assist our neighbours who had been attacked in the middle of the night in their house. Thankfully, they were basically okay and the attackers wern't counting on my neighours being so bold and not only defend themselves, but turn on the intruders.
Roberto and I assisted immediately with taking one person to the clinic to check on a wound he sustained and me going to the house and checking to make sure all was okay.
I accompanied my neighbour back to her house and my 3 dogs followed me as they usually do to assess the situation. While checking out the property and house to make sure all was okay and no one remained, I was unaware that our dogs were eating meat laced with poison that had been put out for my neighbours dogs. Within minutes our dogs became violenty ill and died within about 10 minutes. It was probably one of the most difficult things I have had to watch in my life and I am still struggling with it.
My neighbour who I love dearly feels awful about the situation, since her dogs did not find the poison, but that's life and there is nothing I would have done differently.
Well as any of you out there that are dog lovers, know how one feels after something like this happens. You feel like you lost your kids or something just about as close as that.
Roberto and I are moving on and have talked about the many different feelings we are having regarding what happened. It's not something that shocks me as I know that all sorts of crime happens in Costa Rica and Cental America. You just never know how it will affect you though. Part of me as said just to pack it in and leave and then there is the other part that says "'when the going gets tough, the tough get going".
The thing that I feel the most is that I loved those dogs and they loved us. Even our guests loved those dogs. They had such a great life. They just played, slept and ate all day and there were always tons of people around sharing love with them. They might not have had a long life, but they had a good life.
I am usually more cynical person than a sappy one... but these types of events in life tend to humble me. My aunt Marlene (a fellow dog lover among many other attributes) sent me this writing a while back about what we need to learn from dogs. It can not be more appropriate to publish than now.
Things we can Learn from a Dog
1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp, and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
I think I'll leave it there for now about this event. I am sure I will have more to write about it later. If you were guests at our place, I hope our dogs made your stay here that much more special.
I'm so sorry you both had to go through this experience. As something similar happened to me, I know a little bit about what you're going through. I often wonder if I am in any way placing myself in more danger living in Costa Rica than if I had chosen to live in another country. It's just hard to say. And I know you, like me, don't want to live life wondering if danger is lurking around the corner. I applaud you both for your strength and willingness to take responsibility for your own community. I adored your dogs and will sincerely miss them too.
Posted by: Tropical Adventures | December 23, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Colin: it's absolutely devastating news about Kira, Cody and Sasha. My thoughts are with you. Hugs. Marlene
Posted by: Marlene | December 23, 2006 at 02:47 PM
We'll sure miss them! But at least you gave them love and a great home.
Posted by: Doug Dosdall | December 23, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Colin and Roberto
Our hearts go out to you both. We loved those dogs. We were just discussing the other day how much we loved our time with them. We feel blessed to have know them.
Hugs to you both.......Colleen and Ken
Posted by: Colleen & Ken | December 23, 2006 at 04:05 PM
Dearest Colin and Roberto,
We are just devestated to hear of your loss. Having lost two of our best friends not so long ago, Pulga and Franny, our deepest sympathies go to you both.
It is of some solace knowing what a sun filled, beach filled, active and most certianly loved full life all your babies enjoyed.
It is all we can ask for in life.
Aunt Marlene has it right! Make new friends....and we can't wait to meet them.
David and I have a friend who owns and operates a dog shelter when your ready for a new baby or two or three or six! You can never have too many 4-legged friends.
Keeping you both in our hearts and thank you for your inspirational exsample of living all of life for all that it is and will be.
We love you both.
Dawn and David
Posted by: Dawn and David | December 23, 2006 at 06:11 PM
Colin & Roberto, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dogs. I know they were a big part of your family. Elaine
Posted by: | December 23, 2006 at 06:38 PM
I'm so sorry that you lost your babies. My dogs are like family too & I would be heartbroken.
Though the intent to harm the dogs must make the loss incredibly tough to deal with, there are plenty of dangers back home too. I lost a dog years ago while we were walking at an off-leash park. He spotted a rabbit & chased it across the street, right into traffic. Fortunately it was quick, but I still tear up thinking about it.
*hugs*
Kris
Posted by: Kris | December 24, 2006 at 07:29 AM
Dear Colin, I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 25, 2006 at 05:01 PM
Hi there
Losing a dog is very hard, because the love you receive from a dog is pure and without judgement. Now you can keep that love in your heart and share it with others.
kind regards,
Bart from Belgium
Posted by: Bart | December 26, 2006 at 02:00 PM
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
- Bern Williams
Posted by: Jeff Rozon | December 27, 2006 at 10:40 AM