I had to stay away from home last night due to an ice storm, and left my husky here on the farm with my dad coming to check him. He had his own private porch with a big blankets, but I knew when I left yesterday that he was not feeling well. And when I got home today? He whimpered at me, whined, and would not eat. Then, he could not see and had a seizure. I wrapped him in a blanket and made the longest drive to the vet's office--a drive that I knew would be our last together. He was dying, and in pain, and scared. But when I lifted him into the Jeep beside me, he lay down and rested, trusting me to take care of him until the end. I had promised myself he would not suffer just to make me feel better and keep him with me. I honored his life too much to not help him go with dignity.
Now, don't laugh at his name. He earned it: Doofus. Not because he was not smart, or beautiful, but because he grinned all the time and loved to be goofy. He guarded me and loved me with a fierce devotion. I felt the same about him. Our farm is on a river, and if I got in my kayak or canoe, he would run the banks and howl at me. Then, when he could he would launch himself into the river to swim to me. He would lose me, and howl until he found me. He loved to take walks and sit beside me on the grass--or actually sit ON me more like it.
I held him today and told him stories as he left this life. He went peacefully and I never took my eyes off his. I wrapped him, carried him to the Jeep and drove him home. We buried him on a hill overlooking the river he loved.
And, what does this have to do with my wow taming? The pet I have most wanted in the game was a ghost wolf. Not Skoll, though I love him. Getting Ghost Crawler last night, and Sambas this morning, were great, but for two years I have so wanted a ghost wolf. So tonight as I mourned, I set out to tame Karoma.
Harley, another petopian, told me when he tamed him last night and came to keep me company. My gaming partner, Drigo, came and rode shotgun on my rocket with me. For the first time, I actually camped a rare and flew circles in the Highlands for two hours or so, mining and remembering. I wanted the wolf in honor of Doofus. Harley led me through setting up npc scan--many thanks to him for his company and information. After two hours, I had to get ready for bed. Harley left, I left, then came back, and I told Drigo--let's make one more round before I go to sleep. And many thanks to Drigo for always being patient as I obsess over my pets, real and pixelated.
And just as we hit the air, the npc scan goes off. I can't find Karoma, but then do see him--dismount us both midair and hit the ground taming. And when the tame went through I cried. I know these are just pixels. I really do. But this wolf is a tribute to Doofus, a good dog, a grand dog. I will name the wolf tomorrow in his memory.
So, this tame is for you Doof. I will miss you, Old Man. Rest in peace my good friend.
You have my sympathy.
