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.
Share this:
Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 
Very very sorry to hear about your loss. Same thing happened to me when I was a kid of 14.
I came home from a vacation to hear that my buddy had died. Haven’t been able to own a dog since and that was 37 years ago. I guess I never got over it.
Listen to Cruizer as I was thinking the same thing. You should slow down if you have the time.
With your must do deadlines I feel (and correct me if I’m wrong) you may not be getting everything you need out of this ride. Just a thought.
Take care and know that many people have you in their thoughts.
My must do commitments are over…I just need to make sure I can ride with a clear head home. Thanks for you comment and your doggy story…amazing how they impact our lives eh?
OMG! So distressing to hear Cruizer crossed the Rainbow Bridge! The only saving grace is he did not suffer very long. You now have one more Guardian Angel sitting on your shoulder. My sweet little kitty passed last year, she is always in my thoughts bringing me smiles that I was so lucky to have her. Take care and know we all support you, all will be fine, just give it time. Keep looking for the silver lining, it’s always there.
thanks for your optimism it helps as always
Leslie this is such a terrible loss. Unfortunately nothing you can do will bring him back. Focus on yourself and riding safely. Get home safe and sound and then continue on the healing road.
that is my goal for today is to focus on the views and the ride. I hardly slept so today might be a short day. I can’t get this out of my head so I will blog. Blogging in my canvas to journal even though it’s so public it helps me.
Definitely listen to what Cruizer is telling you along with your heart, body and mind. Take the time you need while on the road to keep your head clear and to ride safe.
I still grieve the loss of my fur babies, even years beyond their passing. They are our babies and we love them so much ❤ RIP Cruizer
I am listening to Cruizer at least from now until I get home. Thank you for your comment! L
I’m so sorry to hear about Cruizer. I gasped for air when I read he passed. May he rest in peace. 😦 I lost my 14 year old dog in 2006 and every now and then I feel her presents. Like others have said….. concentrate on your ride and safety. God Speed…
I will do my best and concentrate on my ride home
I lost my Ralphie while I was gone on a motorcycle trip 2 years ago and I know how it can rip your heart in 2… just ride safe – it’s not easy to grieve and ride at the same time so just try and concentrate on the riding! You have my deepest sympathies – I cried more when our Ralphie died than when my parents died. There’s something about the unconditional love that our four footed fur babies give us that makes it SO much more difficult when they cross over….
I hear you Sarah and today if I need to pull over I will. Like yesterday there were times I got into the mood of the bike and scenery but when it got to the point I could no longer compartmentalize Cruizer’s dying I got off the road.
Hang on. Cruizer is watching for you for ever. No doubts.
that is sweet idea…hope he is
So Sorry to hear about Cruizer. You have encountered a great deal of hardship for some time now. Hang on, things will get better. Keep your mind focused on a safe journey home. We’ll all be thinking of you. Take care. Stay Safe.
true, 2014 has been a hard year but as my colleague reminded me it’s half over and perhaps I can close the year with a better me to start 2015
I am so sorry about your loss of Cruizer, Leslie. We have a 14-year-old yellow Lab, Toby, and it would break my heart not to be with him when the time comes. However, it’s a risk I take every time I travel without him (which is more frequent, given his advanced years) and I at least can take comfort in the fact that, like you, I only ever entrust his well-being to others who care about him almost as much as I do.
Cruizer has been with you all along on this journey. And he still is.
Best,
Jay Alexander
Charlottesville, VA USA
I have the best house sitters ever and I am grateful for that. Thanks for your warm comment.
So sorry for your loss Leslie. You provided him with a loving and caring You were a very special “mom” to him.
He was special to me too. Thanks.
i know how you feel. Just lost a very intelligent dog last week to kidney failure. Keep yourself busy. It would surely be hard to get home and missing Cruizer.
I am trying to stay busy and will try to stay busy and healthy when I get home. Thanks for your comment.
Sorry to here about your loss of Cruizer I lost my best friend my Jack Russel Lucky Bones of 15yrs last Sept I can imagine how you feel right now but hey hang in there enjoy the rest of your trip best way you can I am sure Cruizer would want that for you ….
I will try and enjoy the rest of this trip and take is slow and steady
So sorry for you and Cruizer, too. Take your time and be careful not to fall for Zone Fade on the bike. Stay alert. Like you, I had a good buddy pass when I was gone on a trip. My heart went out to my buddy too, that was taking care of him, while I was gone.
You’ve done a great job on this adventure. Get home safely now. That is your first priority now.
the Zone Fade I know that one for sure. Never heard it called that but I am aware especially yesterday/ When it started I got to the nearest town and stopped.
I’m so sorry for your loss Leslie. Take care on your ride home, my thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Thank you Meaghan
I am truly sorry for your loss. My cat, Jasmine, is 16, so that day will be here soon enough, although when it happens, I’m sure it’ll be too soon for me.
John.
It’s never easy
Sorry about Cruizer.
me too thanks