Day 25 – My dog Cruizer died.

I am behind in my posts…and will catch up with Day 22,23 & 24…but felt compelled to at least acknowledge today was the day my dog Cruizer died. Born April 30th, 2004 – June 10th, 2014.

I was at a Badlands vista when I looked at my phone and there was a message for me to call home.  I did and I was shattered to hear that Cruizer was found deceased this morning.  More like I was SHOCKED.

It was sudden after an apparent diagnosis of Addison’s Disease which I am still not certain that is what he had. A necropsy is being done so hopefully I will have a full report.  I feel for Taylor & Dave who often care for my dogs when I go away.  They found him deceased this morning in my house.

April 30 2004 – June 10 2014

I am trying to get home as soon as I can but have a feeling it will be steady as I can ride.  My bike and me will make it home and tonight is my time to grieve for this little fellow that I SOOOO adored.  My parents would say “you would think Cruizer thought you had given birth to him, he wants to crawl back inside of you”.  That was Cruizer…unconditional love, well, as long I fed him and gave him treats.  He was my buddy and would not settle at night until I did.  When I was upset he would try to comfort me.  It is a forever sad day on my X Country 2014 solo trip.  I guess the good news is the reason I took this trip?  To work out my other loss? My separation?

I have made progress on that front at least.  I am slowly putting back together the shattered life I have experienced the moment Cheryl walked out the door.  I have great friends who care about me…I have a great family who put up with me and love me too.  This trip has provided some healing and as for Cruizer?  There is nothing I can do but to accept what has happened.

I did some side trips today into the Badlands and Blackhills, SD.  I slowed it down a bit..maybe Cruizer was telling me something?  I rode as far as I could before my body, head and heart gave in.  I needed to stop, get a hotel and grieve for tonight.  That is what I did…now it’s my time to figure out how I get home, well…not how…but when.

Until I can update this blog properly, I thank the virtual world for the many many messages, comments of support and to be honest it’s overwhelming to see such world-wide comfort. I love this blog, I love my FB page and again appreciate all the kind posts and messages public or private.