An old girl with wisdom in her eyes passes on
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Updated: May 30, 2009 10:51 PM
I never knew her name until a few weeks ago when I renewed our slip at the marina and was told that she was ill.
On my way out, she was slowly getting up the narrow stairs and I opened the door. I waited and felt a bit teary as I watched her laboured climb.
I am a photographer and a painter and had taken to this old black dog who was so at home in the hustle and bustle, lounging about as if she owned the place. And in a way she did. She seemed to be a fixture of this amazing island we moved to two years ago.
Last summer we had our old toothless miniature poodle with us at the hot dog stand and she came over to the table, wanting a treat. Our geriatric poodle growled on my lap at her, and the expression on her face was so priceless I had to laugh. She was not going to move, but sat and turned her head away yet still looking sheepishly at my hot dog. I took some photos and framed and sold them to a few people coming into the Arts Pacific Gallery.
I know the grief and sorrow all too well when an old and beloved pet dies. I also know I will be sorry not to see her familiar presence in the cove.
My favourite shot of her is one I took last summer, under the white tent, on a blistering hot day, looking cool as a cucumber alone under the square of shaded lawn.
I think the residents of Bowen Island have silently appreciated her over the years. There is nothing more wonderful than an old girl like that with wisdom in her eyes.
Janet Kearns
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