Graham Martin
My precious time with him:
January 26, 2003-May 30, 2009
I have been dreading when I would have to write this blog. I have been dreading it ever since I found out this past January that my sweet little furrball had been diagnosed with Lymphoma. In a routine check-up, the vet noticed his lymph nodes were unusually enlarged and three days later I received the news. Even though it was unexpected, we were grateful to be back in KC with our former vet. Their love and care for my 'boys' over the years has been irreplaceable and much appreciated.
Many of you know the story of Graham but I am going to share it all again as my mind has been flooded with so many memories and the time I had with him. Graham pretty much just showed up on my door step one cold January day in KC. I took him in and tried my hardest to find the owners. I figured if I had lost Maverick I would want someone to do anything they could to find me. Maverick wasn't sure what to think of the little guy but I was pleased to have a 'friend' at home with him while I was at work. Three weeks later, after I had posted signs and flyers everywhere, I received a call from none other than the Raytown Animal Control. They stated that they knew the owners and that this dog had gotten out of their yard several times. Low and behold the owners called me the next day and with hardly any gratitude at all for taking care of 'their dog' they came to pick him up. I had grown a bit attached to him but I said Good-bye since it was what I had to do. I thought I would never see him again. Another three weeks went by and one evening when I came home from work he was back in my yard! I found his leash, collar, and a note on the fence that said, "We don't want him anymore." It broke my heart that someone could do that but I was thrilled to officially call him 'mine'.
It was a struggle for awhile. Unfortunately, Graham showed some signs of abuse, there were times when he was incredibly mean and aggressive towards Maverick and I, and tried to run away any time he saw an open door. I have no idea why but every single time I ran after him and brought him home even though he wasn't always happy with it. At one point I thought I would have to give him up but my heart just could not do it.
Thankfully, over the years, my little terror became not only an extension of my family but one of the sweetest and most fun dogs. He did the funniest things and was such a unique little dog. He had such a rough exterior but the sweetest demeanor. His personality was awesome and he was the cutest little dog I have ever laid my eyes on. His brown eyes and graham-color coat (where he got his name from) made him distinct and made my heart melt. After he lived with Maverick and I for awhile it was apparent that he was finally 'home' us. Even though him and Maverick never really were the best of friends, they were certainly companions.
I often referred to them as "brothers from another mother".
When Maverick was diagnosed with cancer back in October of last year, I was heart-broken. We were not sure how much time we would have left with him. I assumed that I would have to deal with Graham going first since he was older but I really didn't want to think of EITHER one of them leaving me. I could not bear the thought. So, even though I have had to prepare my heart for the possible situation, I don't think my heart could have ever prepared for what I have dealt with this past weekend.
Graham had underwent about 10 weeks of chemotherapy and/or treatment since February. I noticed last week that his lymph nodes were enlarged again and took him into to get his monthly maintenance shot and medication. The vet told me to call by the middle of the week to let him know how he was doing but the week got away from me and all of a sudden it was Friday. I had noticed that he hadn't been feeling all that well but that had been normal after he received a shot. Jeremy and I had gone to the Royals game Friday night and I mentioned that evening that I had forgotten to call the vet and reminded myself to do so. However, when we got home and I got down on the floor to give him my usual love before bed, I knew something was wrong. His eyes were glazed over, his breathing was labored, and I just felt him leaving me. I cuddled and loved on him as long as I could but after awhile he turned his head away from me as if to say he didn't want me there.
I said my "good-nights" instead of "good-bye" in hopes that I was wrong.
Unfortunately, early on Saturday morning when Jeremy went to go check on him, he found him in the kitchen. Jeremy came back into the bedroom just shaking his head and I knew he was gone. I lost it. I have never had to go through anything like this. All the dogs that my family ever had growing up were either taken away or put down without me around. Graham was one of my 'babies' and words cannot describe having to say good-bye to him. I am blessed with a husband who not only loved Graham as his own, but was an amazing support and comfort as I bawled like a baby, over my 'baby'. I was also grateful to have my vet meet me when I took him in. I decided on having him cremated and when I am ready we will bury him
down at my in-laws.
This has been an incredible and difficult loss and one that will definitely take me awhile to deal with. It is horrible to lose anyone we love and has left me with quite an empty feeling. I know to those out there who may not be animal lovers may think I am crazy but I could careless. Graham, Maverick, and I made up a little family of three for 6 years and nothing can replace what they have meant to me. They both have moved with me, loved on me when I didn't deserve it, saw me through many of life's ups and downs, and have been
amazing companions to me through the years.
To my Grahamy...the most incredible, special, unique, extraordinary dog there ever was.
I will miss you terribly and you will never be forgotten.
I am honored to have been your 'doggie-mommy'.
Rest in peace my sweet little furrball
(and please don't molest any pillows in heaven!)
I love you.
