Heartbroken and Grateful

I wish I had more time with him, but Lucas was clearly ready. We did the best we could. Twelve years of unconditional love, a bond that grew as I opened to getting close. Something I had not done in the past. I’m grieving. No more seeing him lying on his bed, wondering if he could suddenly get up on his own. Medications to keep him comfortable and waiting for a miracle.

Sometimes miracles do happen. They can be minor things. The week before we adopted Lucas, we almost adopted another dog. We didn’t give up and returned the following week finding our Lucas, and then 12 years together, forever thankful for all the joy and time we had together. Lucas was meant to be in our lives.

I had no idea dogs could teach many life lessons, like being in the moment and valuing time with your loved ones. Lucas taught me how to overcome challenges.

As Lucas got older, a torn ACL didn’t stop him. He had major surgery and an extended recovery, while he limped around. Over time he healed. We helped him enjoy his best later years.

Lucas loved jumping on the couch, laying on the lounge chair as my daughter tanned in the yard, and even almost jumping over the fence when he heard other people. When he was younger, he ran back and forth and circled the yard, and I thought I had a racehorse and not a dog, hence his nickname, Energy Lucas. I even made my first Facebook video with him.

Lucas was a smart dog. He loved his bones. Toys weren’t his thing. He loved seeing the family, and while we ate, he was quietly enjoying his bone with peanut butter, his favorite treat. He loved large milk bones that he would eat on his bed in the kitchen, hand-made healthy treats that he could fit in his mouth and eat with one bite. He loved going for a walk and knew he would get a bone upon return. People food, anything that crunched, corn chips, pretzels, potato chips; when he heard the bag open, he would come. When we would have rib steak, my husband would gently hold the bone for him. These memories make me smile.

Time passed, and Lucas walked slower, with no more jumping and a lot of sleeping as he got older. One night, he got his paw caught. He yelped and he needed care. Then, off to the hospital, my family went. The healing challenge began.

Lucas wasn’t quite the same after. He walked slower, off balance, and then he cried, and I went to him and realized he couldn’t get up by himself. It was sad to watch. He had a lot of will to live. We got a harness to help him get up and we were there for him. My daughter cuddled with him, “played hide,” and he gave her kisses. He loved to be with us at mealtimes. I rarely fed Lucas people food but gave in seeing how much pleasure he had. Although times were challenging during the last few months of his life, I embraced the time with him.

We did all we could, taking him for more opinions and a few acupuncture treatments. The message was given to the family, no more. Thank you for all your love. It’s time for me to rest in peace. We joined him on his bed. My daughter covered him in a pink blanket that had hearts of love. We cuddled, told him we loved him, thanked him for being an amazing dog, and were thankful for our time together. The final moments came, and Lucas would be in our hearts as the grieving process began, Lucas would be part of the rainbow with Spanky and Lucky. The beautiful memories will always be with us as life moves on without our Lucas. I am grateful for all of Lucas’s love.

In Memory of Lucas Gortler

Years of joy and unconditional love

We will always think the world of

He had the biggest tongue

Sharing his kisses since he was young

Lucas made our family and friends smile,

He did his best, going the extra mile.

Simple things made him delighted

Get him a bone and watch him be excited

Sitting by his side, he could feel our presence

As we looked into his eyes, caring for him with patience

Lucas, may you rest in peace, knowing you will be remembered forever

You have a special place in our hearts we will treasure.

Bonnie Gortler

Bonnie Gortler, Consultant, Coach, and Author specializing in Wealth and Well-Being, is a successful stock market expert who has been instrumental in managing multi-million-dollar client portfolios within a top-rated investment firm during her over 35-year corporate career. As the author of “Journey to Wealth,” Bonnie has made it her mission to share the importance of risk management and how to enjoy real financial well-being by applying the technical and mental sides of investing. Bonnie has an M.B.A. and is a certified life coach. It is through her love of coaching, consulting, blogging, and social media that she creates change in the lives of many and inspires people from around the world. Bonnie is fully committed to your personal growth and development as she shares her winning spirit and powerful techniques with you. Visit BonnieGortler.com to gain tips and insights about investing, personal development, and inspiration through her articles on Wealth and Well-Being.
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