The first time I met Angus I liked him instantly. We quickly became fast friends; he was a good time guy, funny, always entertaining, affable and up for anything. I had, to this point in my life, never met anyone so uniquely positive and consistently happy. I soon found myself relying upon him to pick me up during times of stress or difficulty; he was unfailingly reliable and good-natured in his performance of this duty. His counsel was always wise and always the same: life is for living, trouble only fleeting. Enjoy what God has provided and show your gratefulness with unbridled enthusiasm. His faithfulness and zest for life captured the hearts of my family as well, and all of us quickly grew to love him as though he were one of us.
He was first and foremost a kind and warm-hearted soul, but inside him boiled the inherent feistiness of a proud and true Scotsman. Though small in stature, he walked with the confident swagger of one much larger and, when forced to take the offensive, he attacked with the ferocity of a kilted warrior. Clearly, this was someone comfortable in his own skin, possessing and exhibiting only the best and most endearing qualities available to the male order and someone with whom I was pleased and proud to stand beside, to call my dearest friend.
Angus’ finest quality was his unquenchable thirst for life. He was up for anything; I can’t recall him ever turning down an opportunity to go do something. A simple walk together, a day trip by car, whatever; his answer to any outing was always the same: Let’s go. Whenever possible, we would ask Angus along on family excursions and were blessed by his inevitable assent and utter joy to be included. We were all the better for having him come along.
After many years Angus began to show his age; a couple of battles with those larger and stronger than he only served to hasten the process. He was nearly blind and deaf, his movements slower and more deliberate, and his personality more withdrawn. He retained his good nature, but slowly stepped back from his role as consoler, entertainer and confidant. Predictably and perhaps selfishly, though each of us still loved him, we sought him out less often and our lives became less entwined.
Angus had always enjoyed the outdoors and in particular the garden behind our house. This past Sunday he went out to dawdle through the yard like he always did, taking time to enjoy God’s splendor – the plants, the flowers, the birds, the smells – only this time he didn’t come back inside. We found him in the garden, lying alone in the deafening stillness of death. How tragic to have lost someone so dear without the chance to have said goodbye one last time; how devastating to have allowed the illusion of seemingly infinite time to postpone an opportunity to show someone how much we loved them; and how painful the sudden finality of death in revealing just how dear that someone was to us.
Farewell, sweet and gentle Angus. We already miss you beyond that which words can express. I, for one and for certain, will never forget you. You were the best dog I have ever known.
thestrugglershandbook 
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Oh Rich, we’re sooooo sorry for the loss of such a sweet and dear family member! We ADORED Angus! Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Thanks, Leslie. Praying for your family as well!
I’m so sorry, Struggler, about Angus. I feel where you’re coming from as I have my own little brood of dear ones, one in particular that is becoming quite aged. You’re in my prayers. And may Angus RIP. (hugs)
Thank you so much. Who would think an animal could hold such a grip on one’s heart? He was a great guy and I’m gonna miss him.
Kevin told me about this yesterday and I nearly cried. I am so very very sorry for your loss. Truly God shows a part of Himself through His beloved dogs. I believe you will meet Angus again…
Thanks, Jill. I really hope I get to see him again…I better get my act together.
I am so sorry 😦 When you’re up to it – you should post a picture of your sweet Angus for all of us to see.
It’s funny you said that; I couldn’t find one on my computer from his younger days, so my daughter is sending me one. I will post it asap!
Angus was a sweetheart. Rest easy, gentle friend.
He was a sweetheart; so much for dogs being like their owners.
My heart breaks for you because, as you well know, I’ve suffered that emotional pain that is so vivid and crippling it is like the worst physical pain one could possibly endure. It eases some over time but it is never fully healed. I think of my darling John who cried out when our little Cinder had to be put down that he would never, ever allow himself to hurt like that again, because sooner or later that which is so precious and so loved has to leave you. Sadly, it has been John who’s had to be the one to leave this time.
Please know that I really, really feel your pain.
June
Aw, June. I’m so sorry. I know you’ve suffered so. I miss both of you so much!
Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It feels a little too close to home, with an ageing dog who is the best friend of my 5 year old who is an only child, I am dreading the day 😦 My thoughts are with your family
Thank you. The trick, I think, is to get a new one asap, but unfortunately I have way too many animals already. Might help your child deal with the sorrow, though!
Sorry to read about Angus
Charly
Hey, bro! Thanks; he was the best.
For us, Maggie is our Angus, our friendly, wagging joy.
Thanks for this lovely blog.
Go, Maggie! I hope she has a long and happy life.
hey :(, so sorry to read about you dog..
I don’t know if I should be happy or sad that I actually did not find my dog last year when she went missing, and somehow my family was left with hope that she maybe will come back (didn’t happen) or that maybe she’s still out there and maybe someone found her and takes good care of her..(rarely happens)..
In a way… I am happy I didn’t see her dead..In many other ways I am sooo sad..because I strongly feel she is dead, and ain’t coming home no more..and I had no chance to say good bye..
either ways it’s very sad, and inevitable when you have dog (cats,mice,crocodiles) friends..
my father does not want another dog, because he does not want to go through this (loosing) again..
There are people, like my wife, who would rescue your dog if they found it roaming the streets. There’s a good chance she’s still alive. It would stink, almost be worse, not knowing either way. I’m sorry.
RIP Angus
This is beautifully written and heartbreaking. We lost both our sweet dogs, Lucas and Chancey, last year. Thanks for this lovely post.
Two in one year; that would be really tough. So sorry.
Such a touching post. There is nothing like a wonderful furry friend. Thanks for giving Angus a wonderful life!
Thanks for saying that, though his life was more carefree before we added two more, bigger dogs. Still, I think he had a good life. Thanks; I feel better!
Dude. I’m sorry to hear about that. My dog is up there in age 12 and I get worried as time goes on.I know they don’t last forever, but dude it ‘s still very sad when that happens.
Yeah, when someone loves you without fault, you can’t help but love them back, and it sucks when they’re gone. I hope they’re a young 12!
RIP Angus.
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you. He really was a good guy and I miss him a great deal.