Samantha says 'good-bye'

Samantha: Jan 14, 1999 - Jun 3, 2010

Well, yesterday was the day. We finally had to set our little girl free. Her lymphoma had returned and was causing her difficulty breathing. Though she still wagged her tail, ate her meals and snacks, and wanted her ears rubbed, it was time.

Through the great kindness of my friends at work, I was able to spend the day with her. It was the first sunny day in Seattle in a very long time. We laid on the deck and let ourselves get warmed. The chickens roamed and clucked. Hummingbirds flitted and chirped. Neighbors mowed, and workers hammered. I gazed at the clouds and thanked the universe for the 4,056 days I had the privilege of sharing with this gentle, beautiful creature.

Samantha had been mostly unable to stand on her own for a couple of days due to weakness and the sedation we were giving her to keep her breathing relaxed. I left her sunning on her bed so she could enjoy that wonderful comfort that comes from the sun heating your skin (or fur) on a cool day and so that I might clean the house a bit and create some kind of mood for her passing. A few minutes after coming inside I heard her collar jingle...in typical Samantha form, she had gotten herself up and staggered in the house. She collapsed on the rug, droopy-eyed and panting, her back legs splayed out underneath her, wanting nothing more than to be in the same room with me. In than enigmatic way that humans can simultaneously feel great happiness and sorrow, I laid down next to her, smiling and sobbing.

A few hours later with Gabriel and me at her side and with the taste of peanut butter on her tongue, she died.

I want to thank all of our friends for their support, all of you who took care of her when I couldn't, and everyone who ever scratched her ears or petted her or gave her a treat. I want to thank everyone at Green Lake Animal Hospital, especially Dr. Jeb Mortimer, for all of the care they gave to Samantha and the support they gave to us. Thanks Dr. Hanna for coming to our home and helping us set her free.

Most of all, I want to thank my little girl for giving me eleven years of life. I am changed and better for it, and a day will never pass when I won't think of her and smile. Good-bye, Samantha.

Eggs...at last!

Well, it's been many months now since I've written. My last entry was unfortunately foreboding of things to come. Samantha has lymphoma and probably only a few months left. I'll save that for a later time. Today, we rejoice.

The hens are grown and have laid their first two eggs. One in their roost and one under our deck. Perhaps there have been others laid elsewhere in the yard that we have not been privy to, maybe snatched by a raccoon or even eaten by Samantha. But to us they are the first--small and perfect.

We wasted no time in enjoying them. Into the frying pan they went. Their yolks were plump and bright and a wonderful tangerine color. A quick turn, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a couple of toasted english muffins and we were ready to taste these long awaited treats.

The hens have all developed their own personalities, and Sophia's stands out stronger than the others. They all run to us when they see us at the kitchen door, but she is fearless. She wants to be petted and held. But most of all...she wants in the house!!! It is nearly impossible to keep her out. She will try to work her way around you and get in through the smallest opening. Once in, she is most reticent to leave. She wanders into the small spaces around the furniture of our sun porch and refuses to come out. Two days ago I was late for work because she had sneaked in with Samantha and would not come out from behind the chair. I could not reach to grab her, and in my haste to leave had fantasies of herb-roasted chicken for dinner that night. But eventually she wandered into my grasp, and I shooshed her out. However, I digress. Back to the eggs...

After laying them upon their grainy substrata, we pierced their centers and watched the molten yolks ooze out. As we took our first bites, we couldn't help notice all three of them standing at the door looking in--watching us enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Hopfully, there will be many more of these. They were superlative. Creamy and smooth with a flavor nothing like those imitation store eggs. Everyone must come to sample them and see for themselves the truth that I write.

Y'all come back now...y'hear?