I’m going to have to share this news eventually, and since I’m dealing with some of the follow-up details at the moment I figured it might as well be now.
But I’m having trouble finding the right words…. brevity would seem cold, but I don’t think I have the emotional fortitude to say this with much detail. Here goes… my German Shepherd Freya, who I’ve written about a few times here, was struck by a car and killed yesterday.
I think I have to leave it at that. I’m sure I’ll need to revisit the events and come to terms with all of it, but for now this is what I can manage.
Just to illustrate how awful and bizarre our afternoon was yesterday, as our family was tromping out to the car to bring Freya’s remains to our vet, I noticed that our yard was on fire. No shit. Less than an hour after losing our beloved girl, our yard caught fire. I couldn’t have made that up if I tried.
We compost our ashes from the wood stove, but always wait at least 24 hours before moving them from the metal pail (which sits on our patio) to the compost pile. Apparently 24 hours wasn’t enough in this case.
After about 10 seconds of internal debate (‘Is this a big enough deal to call 911 over?’) I saw the flames start to spread and called 911 – for the first time in my life outside of work (meaning that I’ve had to call 911 while working, but that’s another story). And, as usually happens in smaller towns, the whole damn public safety complex showed up – police (actually, there was an officer just down the street dealing with the poor couple who Freya ran out in front of), ambulance, several fire trucks, volunteer rescue vehicles. Crazy. But it’s also nice to know that they take these things seriously. No major damage – the compost is pretty far from our house.
And now I have to go and cancel my pet insurance policy. Ugh.
Thanks for listening, y’all.
Oh Cynthia…that is so terribly sad..I am so sorry about Freya. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet understands…but to then have to deal with all the rest of it. I am so relieved that no one else was injured and that no major property damage occurred, but what an horrific day… I am so sorry….hugs..Michelle
Thank you Michelle. I, too am thankful that no one else was injured – she was a big dog, and could have caused a major accident. It’s amazing how many small details of your life revolve around those you love – four-footed or not – and pop up to remind you of your loss over and over again. It’s going to be quite a while before things start to feel normal again, I’m sure.
Oh, I’m so, so sorry, Cynthia. Deepest condolences to you and your family. These losses are always so hard. {{hugs}}
I’m glad the fire didn’t become more serious! There have been at least two terrible fires with multiple fatalities caused by fireplace ashes this winter–maybe because the weather has been so much milder than usual. 🙁
Thank you, Inanna. We all appreciate your hugs and condolences. Hope to see you at Readercon this year!
Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear all of this. I send you big, big hugs across the miles.
Thank you Kate, much appreciated. Hugs back.
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry to hear about Freya. It must be a tough time for you and your family. Sending hugs and condolences as well.
Thanks Jennifer – hugs and condolences are much appreciated.