Later this evening, a veterinarian will be knocking on our door and bringing death into our home. My sweet 15-year old dog, Loras, has grown old over the past year. Unfortunately, he has seen a steep deterioration in health over the last 24 hours. It has been the most difficult day of my life.
As I write this article, Loras is bundled in blankets, at my feet and inside the glow of our cozy fireplace. I have been mentally bracing for this day for a while now. Two years ago, we had a veterinarian come to our home when my husband's dog needed the same type of care Loras now requires. That day was filled with the elements of the good life that many of us want to fully experience on our last day - family, home, familiar surroundings, fond sensations and space to relish joyful thoughts. I knew then that this was the lifescape I wanted for Loras when his time would eventually come.
Little did I know that the world of Pokémon would strengthen my lifescape for this sad day. The Scarlet and Violet era gave me a precious gift when it breathed Greavard, the Ghost Dog Pokémon, into existence last year. Our new, faithful friend from the Paldea region bears a striking resemblance to Loras. Whenever I see Greavard, my mind is flooded with the happiest of thoughts of Loras...it is a blessing every time. I am so grateful that my lifescape, already comprised of many components of the Pokémon world, now has Greavard in residence.
I adopted Loras nearly nine years ago - just a few weeks after I moved to Portland (July 2014). The adoption records from the Oregon Humane Society tell a sad story about the life he had before we met each other. I would never have guessed at this history, though, had I never seen those documents. He has always been courteous and brave. He takes to every person he meets - including the many Airbnb guests I hosted between 2017 - 2019. I am sure the kind remarks my Airbnb guests made about Loras in their reviews generated way more traffic than the amenities did. He was my little moneymaker. More importantly, Loras was the friend I needed in the wake of the intense amount of change the move ushered into my life. He kept me grounded through it all. I suspect my life would have unfolded much differently if it were not for his benign influence. Legacy Health may never have hired me. I may never have obtained my MPH or met Jeremy.
Loras leaves behind a profound legacy and a changed person. He helped me soften my edges and answer many of life's riddles. I like to think he played a mysterious and influential part in the inspiration of Greavard..It is a line of thinking that confers a great deal of comfort to this Pokémon trainer - especially as Loras prepares to leap out of this world. Who is to say Loras will not find himself bathed in soft, Paldean candlelight this evening?
Colin
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Meghan Hook and NW Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital for the excellent care they have given Loras the last nine years. I also want to acknowledge the support Jeremy is giving to me today - I could not face the knock on the door this evening without him. Thank you.