This beautiful girl was my brother's dog. Today, after I wrapped her in a shower curtain with her favorite dragon toy, he picked her up and carried her limp body to the spot he was going to bury her. It was hard to keep it together until after it was all over and I could leave. I was remembering a day 3 years ago when he picked up this terrified puppy in his arms and carried her to his car to take her home.
Abandoned and frightened of adults but not of children, she had been hiding in a fenced yard, coming out to try to make friends with Merci and Buddy whenever we walked by. This was only a couple of months before Sam came to live here. The homeowner gave permission to "trespass" to catch her, and when we did she went home with my brother, although she usually stayed at his girlfriend's.
Fraggle turned into a friendly home-loving dog but she and a dog down the street took turns visiting. I guess it was her turn today. She was hit by a pickup and killed instantly. Not a mark on her. It just snapped her neck and her collar flew off.
Steven, the 16-year-old driving the pickup did the responsible thing. He checked to see if the dog was alive, then went looking for the owner. And he stayed and waited. I got there shortly after my brother, then a friend and my brother's girlfriend's son. The guys, including the teenager, took turns digging a grave in the rock-hard ground. While they did, I wiggled her wrapped body into a black plastic bag.
The teenager's parents can be very proud of their son. What happened was an accident. Still, he didn't just keep driving, and even though my brother told him he wasn't obligated to help dig a grave, he did. He has character and courage.
I took this picture of Fraggle on July 4th-- her last photograph.
Mr. Doug and Ms. Teresa, thank you for taking in Fraggle and taking such good care of her. I know it wasn't always easy. After possible physical abuse and abandonment, she just could not stand to be alone. You loved her and gave her a happy 3 years she would not have had without you.
She is really going to be missed. Even by the Funny Farm. Before my mother died, they used to play together in her fenced yard. And they've met a few times since.
So if you don't hear from any of us for a day or more...
Jan
What a sad story,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute,
And commendable actions for the driver...
I'm sure Charlie has greeted Fraggle...and is giving her a tour...
Thank you for sharing this private time with us...
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom
God speed, Fraggle. My mommie's eyes are leaking.
ReplyDeleteThat is just so sad. Fraggle looks a lot like a dog my mom had as a child who met the same fate. Sadly the adult male who hit him just kept going. That teenager did do the right thing. Hugs to all of you from us at the OP Pack.
ReplyDeletePoor sweet Fraggle. Our condolences to you and your brother and his girlfriend, and all those who loved Fraggle. Run free sweet girl.
ReplyDeletexo
Linda and Chef
This is very sad =(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry!
We are truly sorry about Fraddle. She had a hard life before you and your brother took her in and gave her hope and love. We are sure the young man that was involved was heart broken, too. He was a very responsible to stay and take responsibility and assist the family. We were going to give Crystal an award but felt it inappropriate in light of this sad news.
ReplyDeleteGentle purrs from Huffle.
ReplyDeleteHuffle Mawson
I am so sorry to hear about Fraggle.
ReplyDeleteKisses and hugs
Lorenza
We are very sorry about Fraggle . She was a lovely pup. Purrs & Hugs to you and your brothers family. ~S,S,C & F
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry to hear about Fraggle. Purrs.
ReplyDeleteFarewell Fraggle! Soft purrs to the family.
ReplyDeleteI am begining to hate death more and more... It has caused too much grief and pain.
ReplyDeleteEven though this is the first time I read about Fraggle, I can feel the pain. Our condolences to your brother, his girlfriend and all those whose lives were touched in any way by Fraggle.
That teenager will grow up to be a fine young man.. he could have taken the easy way out by driving away, but he did not.
Gentle hugs...
We are so sorry to hear abot the loss of sweet Fraggle. We send gentle purrs and healing energy ...
ReplyDelete'Kaika and his mom
We are sad to hear about Fraggle. But it is nice ta know she was cared for by many.
ReplyDeleteThat teenage driver has good character...
We are so sorry for your loss. We know Fraggle will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteThe young man's parents should be very proud of their son. What a wonderful thing he did by helping dig the grave.
w00fs, me and mamas eyes is leaky..Fraggle wuz a bute ti ful girl, and i iz sure will b missed..the teenager will grow into a pawsome man...its sad he had to hurt her, but at least he did what needed to b done..my thoughts r with all of u..RIP Fraggle, run with the wind...
ReplyDeletea sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama..
How hard to lose someone like Fraggle, so suddenly and senselessly. Hats off to the 16 yr old, though, for doing the right thing. Our condolences to you and your brother and his girlfriend.
ReplyDelete- Charlie
I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the loss of Fraggle. My heart goes out to you at this time of grief.
ReplyDeletemay the golden memories of the days
you shared always remain in your hearts. Fraggle is ok now,he left behind broken hearts,but the love shared in those short years will
always be remembered, and one day
you will see a rainbow tru the tears.
KC...Gentleannie2.com
http://www.gentleannie2.com/rainbowbridge.html
what a terrible story about Fraggle. I'm even more pleased that you're able to forgive the teenager, as your healing time wil be so much easier as a result. I bet he feels bad too.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad. We are sorry. We think what that boy did was so good.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad story. Fraggle was (and still is) a beautiful dog. We are glad that the teenager did the responsible thing which must have been difficult.
ReplyDeleteLove -
Hershey and Kaci
We are so very sad to read this story. We saw the link on Facebook and came over to let you know that our thoughts are with you and your family. xxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Fraggle.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
loki
We're so sorry to hear this!
ReplyDeleteGod has taken Fraggle into His loving arms and has taken all of her fears and pains away. She has told Him of all the kindness shown to her - by you, your brother, and all who loved her. The kindness will never be forgotten; the pain already has been.
Karen and the Ao4
I am so sorry Fraggle had to go to the Bridge. I'm glad that the teenager had the courage to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteSoft purrs to you.
My eyes are filled with tears.I'm so sorry to hear about Fraggle.My deepest condolence and hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteBless heart. We are so very sorry for the loss of Fraggle. Please know all of Fraggle's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time.
ReplyDeleteOh no. We are so sorry for the loss of Fraggle. We are sending out purrs for all of you, and that wonderful driver who stuck around and did the responsible and nice thing.
ReplyDeleteOh Jan, I am so sorry! This is so tragic. The young driver was very responsible in his actions.
ReplyDeleteWe at the Taylor Home are so sorry for the loss of your beloved family member.
Love, Deb
Oh that is so sad. Fraggle was very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking... dearest Fraggle.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who accidently hit a little dog near his house. I was at his at the time. He called me from his cell phone in shock. I helped him talk to the owner and we prayed with her and helped her bury her little boy.
Be at peace... Fraggle is home.
Katie Kat
Oh Jan, I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet woofie niece! Fraggle was so pretty! I always hold on to the hope of the Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteHow brave of that boy to help. How brave of you to prepare her body. And how brave of your brother to lay her body to rest. Now she runs, free of worry, happy with other furbabies.
My heart and tears go out for you.
Fraggle knew she was loved, trust that.
Gentle Hugs,
Lorianna
We are sad for you and your brother and his girlfriend. It's hard to lose someone you loved. Sounds like Fraggle had a great life for the past three years and gave back the gift of joy.
ReplyDeleteOh, how awful! Sorry, we're a bit behind with visiting and only just saw this today...how sad! Poor Fraggle...but I guess accidents do happen. It was very good of the boy to stay and help - a lot of people would have run away and tried to hide from what happened.
ReplyDeleteSlobbers to all of you at the Funny Farm - we are thinking of you...
Honey & family
Rest in peace dear Fraggle. Graphite, Bitsy, Lady Madonna, and all the kitties and doggies Kevin and I have loved through the years welcome you over Rainbow Bridge, with open arms.
ReplyDelete