Balkie must have really liked me because he marked me while sitting on my lap as I held him the first day we got him. And I think since then he made sure that I was his person and he was my animal companion. I was only 10, and even though he was meant as a family pet, Balkie and I bonded and were inseparable. He was with me through primary school, high school and even if I couldn't take him with me to when I went off to University I made sure my apartment was full of his photos, and if I went to visit home it would take us hours to greet each other.
On 10 July 2012, at age 15, and I'm now 25 I had to make the most painfullest and hardest decision one that I have to admit have been staring in my face for a few months now. But Balkie is quite tenacious and never showed signs of wanting to slow down. He's legs weren't that strong and he couldn't really see too well, and he did relief himself on the kitchen floor. But it was little things that I could cope with because he still would go full out jumping around the house, and wanting attention in his old age. The last few weeks I did realise he got stuck more often in odd places, and he wasn't enjoying his food, and I wanted to take him to the vet on Tuesday just for a general check up and a personal opinion from a vet whether or not it was time for me to put him to sleep. That Monday though Balkie must have suffered from a stroke, because both his eyes were in squints and he kept walking in circles, and the worst was he didn't wake up during his normal hours. I knew that morning that I had no choice. The time has come, for me to let Balkie sleep eternally. I stood by him through the whole process, because I promised myself that I would not let him do this alone.
15 years I've had one of the most best of friends that stood by me when my heart was broken, my moods low, and my doubts high. The good the bad, the sad, the angry Balkie was the one thing I always could rely on to help me through it all. And in return I loved him unconditionally. Losing him is a big deal in my life, and even if things get better later on, Balkie will always play the most important role in my life and development of who I am now.
If I take any solace from this all, it’s that I know that Balkie is indeed at peace, no more aching old bones, and a heart that’s not as young as it used to be. But despite it all I still believe Balkie never knew that he was actually old, never realised it. :3 Right now he is running and playing with his Younger Brother Charlie, and his older Uncle Spottie, who both passed a few years before him and was his doggy companions for several years.
Balkie, thank you for absolutely making this giant difference in my live. Giving me the understanding and respect I know and forever will have for the magnificent dogs of this world. You've been my constant companion, my truest friend. And will be missed indefinitely. Love you.