Anyone that knows me is aware that I am a tough dog. I could say the same about Jaxon, but I’m going to focus on me for now. In spite of my well-known toughness, I don’t go around shouting from rooftops that I don’t like needles. If a nasty pine needle bites my paw on a walk in the woods, I go limping home and spend a few hours licking my wounds.
I openly share that so you will understand how much it home to learn of the passing of Eddie Haskel in a note from his family. We never met Eddie, but with just a few words from Eddie’s family, I could tell we would have been fast friends.
Eddie passed last Wednesday evening. Diabetes struck him close to 4 years ago, quickly robbing his eyesight with cataracts. We took him to an eye specialist in hopes of retinal replacement surgery, but he had another issue that dashed any hope to restore his vision. Twice daily insulin injections became his new normal, and Eddie soldiered on for nearly 4 more years. Although his quality of life had diminished, we decided that as long as he was wagging his tail and enjoying frequent belly rubs…..he was going to be ok.
Eddie Haskel’s Family
I read those words and thought about needles 2 times a day for a few years and thought to myself “that is one tough dog.” I don’t think there are enough biscuits in the world to make me face that many needles.
Eddie’s experience with diabetes and cataracts reminded me a lot of the struggles our Otto faced with cancer. Otto was there with me from my earliest days as a puppy, and Hank and I were with him to the painful end. It takes a very loving family to rise up to the challenge of these kinds of serious health problems. It sounds like Eddie was very lucky to be surrounded by just such a loving family.
If you think about it, the way Eddie handled himself really sets the standard for a Norfolk Terrier. Give us frequent belly rubs and biscuits and we can wag our tails in the face of just about any adversity. Cheers to Eddie for holding up the standard. Especially with those needles.
I hope Eddie’s family bring another Norfolk into their lives. They mentioned that the “spark of a new puppy is beginning to take root.” I think we’re all hoping that spark becomes a fire.
Puppies keep you young. When Jaxon showed up out of nowhere, I had to raise my game to show him the ropes. Sure, jealousy kicks in every time I see him getting something that might be better off with me. But if I’m really honest, we’re better as a team. We get more biscuits and rubs than either of us would get on our own.
I think all Norfolks understand that basic point. Jaxon and I certainly do. We’re carrying on the legacy of Hank and Otto. They’re not battling us for biscuits. They’re always with us as members of our team. Not a day goes by that I don’t ask myself “How would Hank or Otto handle this?” My question is always answered.
We’ve typed up our reflections on the passing of Hank and the passing of Otto. In the immediate moments right after, things were very hard. In time I re-gained my strength. That’s the team recognition thing.
Even though they never met Hank, Eddie’s family felt a connection to him and to the team.
In reading of Hank and the gang’s exploits and adventures, it came to [us] that Eddie and Hank were two peas in a pod.
Eddie Haskel’s Family
Gang. Team. Same difference. Gang actually fits better if we’re facing a feisty mutt out on the trails.
We’re better together, as a team. With Eddie’s passing, you might think we lost one of our own. But just as Hank and Otto are always with us, Eddie will always be with his family and our team.
The note from Eddie’s family is solid proof that as time passes, we discover team members we didn’t know before. If they’re not here with us, they’re exploring another trail, waiting for us to get there. Maybe not patiently waiting, but waiting.
Until we meet on a to-be-discovered trail, rest in peace Eddie Haskel. Save a few biscuits for us.
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