Rio

One week ago, Rio, an old four-legged friend died. He came into my life when his mum and I were connected by a mutual friend (Rio’s Godmum). All of us became friends – pooches and humans. It’s a season that felt really blessed. I think they’ll always be some of my fondest days.

While we organised weekend (and sometimes weekday) get togethers, ate all sorts over dinner, played the Lord of the Rings monopoly feverishly, and bonded, our four-legged pals were unforgotten. Our pooches played together – Rio and Patches.

Rio and Patches were both black and white. Rio‘s coat had more black in it and was rather velvety. He always seemed regal. He was definitely an alpha and didn’t shirk back from establishing his leadership. Patches was playful and slightly younger and a fair bit more boisterous. It was funny to watch their interactions because whilst they enjoyed playtime, Rio also liked settling down, while Patches kept going like the energiser bunny! We’d watch quite amused as they worked this out. I remember how on one day, when Patches wouldn’t sit still, Rio stretched out his paw, put it on Patches’ back as if to make him sit! How we burst into laughter. Rio was teaching Patches!

There was another time when both Rio and Patches were at my house and a third pooch was introduced to them. The third wheel was unhappy, and at one point snapped at Patches, who was off in a flash. All of us watched in shock,- almost unable to react, but there was one who reacted immediately. Rio. Rio came swiftly to Patches’ defense. It was just how he was. He knew what to do for his mate. Brave boy!

Some of us got to see quite a bit of the softer side of Rio. He had these guttural sounds which he made when he was having a whinge. He’d come looking for pats and rubs and he knew not to move until he had his fill. If you stopped before he was ready for you to stop, he’d look you directly in the eyes, almost to say “why would you do that, now?” It was very effective! He made you feel so guilty that you couldn’t stop! I know. I succumbed. Not just me. Many others too. It was simply adorable how he let his friends love him. He knew it was therapeutic for us too. If he did this for his friends, what would he have done for his family?

There are so many such stories that I could tell. I’m sure we’ll be talking about more things over time. Rio was part of our lives- he made a place for himself in our hearts.

As my friends cope with the loss of Rio, I know there are going to be many hard days ahead. There are going to be days when they long to hear the patter of his feet. There are going to be days when they’re in tears because they miss him. There are going to be days when it all doesn’t make sense. Yet, I hope and I pray that they will also remember that because of the blessing of Rio in their lives, they will have stories to tell. Stories that may seem painful right now, but which will surely warm their hearts on some days when they need it most. God is gracious to us this way.

Right now, as they grapple with this massive loss and look back on their journey with Rio, I hope and pray that they come to see how much they were blessed and how generous they were to let some of us share in their blessing.

Rio, you were a very good boy and I’ll never forget you.