MacIntyre
July 2012 - October 24, 2025
I’ve known today was coming for nearly 2 weeks and I have written this essay many times trying to capture what this dog means to me. He was never just a dog. He was my best buddy, my protector,my therapist and weighted blanket during the hardest times of my adult life. He was our first foster fail and I knew the second I picked him up from the intake foster that he wasn’t going anywhere and I told him that after he happily chomped my nose and peed on me in the car.
He was truly a gentle soul (unless you were another dog, then he was ready to throw down but he didn’t mean it the way everyone took it. He really never grasped how to introduce himself politely) and he loved all of his foster pups over the years, respectfully showing them how to dog. Years ago he saved a tiny kitten that had ended up in our yard from the other dogs by carrying it over to me in his mouth, promptly dropping it into my lap. He then proceeded to lay by the kittens side in the enclosure as its guardian until he was sure she was safe.
He loved having visitors. If you ever came to visit us in Qu’Appelle, you know that he INSISTED on sleeping with all guests and you’d hear about it if you denied him that.
His favourite people in order:
Mom/Dad
Grandpa
Uncle Steve
Our last 6 months were rough as he was quite sick a lot of this spring summer with bouts of pancreatitis. Lots of tests and meds and eventually imaging determined he had a large tumor on his spleen and liver and he was also suffering from severe arthritis in his spine. The last two weeks were filled with good home cooked food, lots of treats and naps, short walkies down the street and back. Today he got his cheeseburger and tried a peanut butter cup.
I’m not sure there will ever be enough words or the right words to express how much today hurts. I can’t begin to picture my world without you. You were my constant, you are eternal.
I love you so much my guy and I will miss you forever. Say hi to the girls for us when you get there 🌈
