A tribute to Scarlet our miniature Schnauzer

Aweh dearly beloved fellow ruminants & groupies

I know that it is the season of merriment and joyfulness and much of today’s blog will unfortunately not fit into that category, but I will try to end on a hopeful note.

Over the last few years I have, at times, expressed unjustified frustration with our dogs and thought about a potentially simpler life without dogs. Since our boys were born 23 years ago dogs have been a part of our lives and our family. Both of our boys are enormously attached to our dogs. Growing up with dogs is one of life’s joys.

On Sunday evening, as with numerous occasions in the past, I took our three dogs to Southbroom beach. During our visit, Scarlet, our 12-year-old miniature Schnauzer, dashed into the parking area and tragically was fatally struck by a vehicle. I didn’t witness the accident but was alerted by another person. Discovering Scarlet’s lifeless body on the curb, I was overwhelmed with shock, grief, and guilt. Despite the driver’s apologies, I acknowledged them perfunctorily. It wasn’t their fault; the responsibility lay with me. I tenderly wrapped Scarlet in a towel, contacted Nerine, and together, in our shared devastation, we took her body to the vet for cremation. Nerine in her kindness, consoled me and, assured me that it wasn’t my fault, that such unfortunate incidents happen.

Then we went home and broke the terrible news to our boys. It was awful. That night I did not sleep at all and was wracked by guilt and remorse. I still am. It is not easy to write this.

The featured image depicts Scarlet and Bayley, our Labrador, on our way to yet another adventure. Twelve years ago, Connor and Oliver chose Scarlet and Sparky, intertwining their lives with them. In addition to their devotion to the boys, Scarlet was particularly bonded with Nerine, while her brother Sparky shares a deep connection with me, conforming to gender stereotypes. Scarlet harboured fears of thunder and fireworks; Nerine, in her deep compassion, comforted her for hours enveloped in a thunder jacket. When we came home the welcome was always overwhelming, Scarlet squealing in delight and Bayley running up and down in unbridled joy. Sparky, now aged, struggles due to deteriorating vertebrae, enduring pain that impedes his mobility. While I ponder loftier and irrelevant thoughts, Nerine ensures Sparky receives his required pain relief diligently. He remains by my side during work or reading, occasionally demanding attention. How much longer will my devoted old friend accompany me?

One of Scarlet’s happy places was the beach. She chased the seabirds and the crabs and socialised with the bigger dogs. When I crossed the lagoon, she would swim behind me and sometimes I would need to help her if the current was strong. She displayed no fear. By the time she got home, she collapsed in exhaustion.

Scarlet’s death has brought home to me an obvious fact. What we get from our dogs is uncomplicated unconditional love that is perhaps not possible to get from any human. Humans are complicated and capable of evil, hatred, and deeply narcissistic and selfish behaviour. Dogs are simpler creatures. At times I have rationalised that the dogs were for the benefit of the boys, but I now know differently, dogs enrich my life in ways that I cannot even begin to describe. They provide an example of how to behave better and to take joy in the simple things. Should a special place in hell be reserved for those who treat animals badly or are we predators? The lion shows little compassion for its prey, nor should we expect them to. Are livestock not just our prey? If we all became vegetarians what would this mean for our livestock?  We would no longer need them, and their numbers would dwindle dramatically. Would this be good for them?  I don’t know the answer to these questions but you dear readers, know much more than me, and I look forward to your wisdom.

I realise that, for me, let alone for Nerine, and our grown boys who will not be with us forever, dogs need to form part of my remaining reality. Nerine and I will grow old together with our dogs because the alternative is an impoverished existence. They will help to remind me how I should behave and provide meaning. Dogs, undeniably, form part of life’s purpose. There is a reason dogs have co-evolved with humans for thousands of years.

Humanity stands as Earth’s apex predators, often ravaging the landscape, like locusts, without regard for our fellow creatures. Nevertheless, we hold the capacity to grant some of these creatures their most fulfilling lives, a profound purpose in itself. As we guide our children into adulthood, care for our elderly parents, and share our limited wisdom with the younger generation, perhaps part of what endures is our ability to impart joy and meaning to the animals sharing our lives.

Goodbye Scarlet you enriched our lives. You will not be forgotten.

I want to express my gratitude for all the ideas and comments received. I genuinely appreciate them, and please continue to share your thoughts.

Regards

Bruce