Thursday, March 11, 2010

And Then, There Were 8 Feet

Fox, our little boy, passed on after midnight last Monday.

He was diagnosed with cancer January last year, and although the vet said he only had a couple of weeks to a few months left, Fox who sometimes had a stubborn streak, held on for another year.

It wasn't easy for us to carry on knowing this. We felt that he knew and he wanted so badly for all of us to get to Vancouver, so he tried his very best to wait. Most of you know we are immigrating to Canada, and when we made this decision three years ago was when we also started traveling. The plan was to sell our properties, leave our jobs and travel while we waited for our immigration to come through. But things didn't go as planned, and it affected our lives more than we could ever imagine. We still traveled (not as extensively as we hoped), and it got challenging for us to keep you updated through this blog. The good thing was we were all together, all 12 feet of us traveling as a unit, our own little family.

As we close this chapter on a somber note, we also want to tell everyone positive, more hopeful news. Our immigration finally went through. We didn't even need an interview with the Canadian embassy and we attribute this favorable outcome to all the people who have attested and supported our cause. Thank you to our dear families and friends who were behind us from the beginning, and to everyone who reads this blog. We are planning to move to Vancouver next week.

Sadly, what would have been a milestone for us as a family, and especially for a little dog who went through his own challenges from a simple and sometimes strenuous life in the Philippines all the way to living and traveling 16 states across the US, was hampered by his ailment. Through grieving hearts we remind ourselves that it's not about him getting to Canada, but rather living life to the fullest without pain or suffering. We made sure he had all the love and affection he could get, all the toys he could carry on trips, and all the Pupperonis he could snack on until he couldn't anymore.

When Fox and I left the Philippines, people said of him, "what a lucky dog". While that's unarguably true, it is I who is the real lucky one. I got to travel with my best friend to places beyond my expectations, without fear of being alone. He was always there for me. Even when he moved in with Chris one year before I did, he was there for me, for Chris, and Spencer.

With this we say goodbye to our Fox. Though your passing brings us a lot of sadness, we'll remember your life with us, full of travels, explorations, wonder, excitement and joy. We love you and we'll always carry your big smile in our hearts.


__________________________

..."To you I'm nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you'll be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world…"

"
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
 what is essential is invisible to the eye."

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your Little Fox :( Big hugs for all of you. Glad to hear you'll be living in Vangoovy soon; a new volume in your Adventure Book.

Adventure Awaits!

Hugs!

LiveWorkDream said...

OH you guys, our heart breaks for you. We are so deeply sorry.

Jim and I understand how you feel. We waited so long to find Jerry's land, and when he was no longer with us the day we signed the papers for the property, it was a bittersweet, emotional day.

All I can say is that Fox's spirit will always be with you no matter where you go in this life. Someday, you'll meet up again.

Many, many hugs to you both.

-Rene & Jim

Trout said...

That's a lovely tribute to the valiant little Fox.

We look forward to welcoming you to Canada soon!!

xoxo

Tania said...

Hi Rikki and chris,

My deepest condolences for the passing of Fox.  I know how much he meant to you guys and how much he was a part of your lives.  It's 6 am and I'm balling my eyes out!

I'm also very very happy about your good news!  I feel like I have travelled with you in the last 3 years.  I do hope that some day you will have the chance to come visit Me :).  I am also moving to redondo beach next month and I'm so excited as I will be 2 blocks from the beach!!  
Goodluck with the move, congratulations on getting your visa and I hope to see you both soon!  

Tania

Melanie@TravelsWithTwo said...

I'm so sad to hear about Fox...and I send all three of you a quiet hug. He had a truly great life with you.

In the same breath, I'm happy to hear you'll be official citizens of America's Hat -- so you can all keep living that great life.

John said...

he will be missed. he definitely had a full life and saw more than most dogs. he is a lucky one.

@575haiku said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. There will always be the joys of remembrance. We always cherish our closest friends. Take care!

Mark said...

so sorry for your loss :( ...Fox was a sweet little guy...((BIG hugs))

James Rebstock said...

Knowing first hand how a pet's death triggers the same grief-response as when a friend or family passes away, my thoughts and meditations are with you all. But with new doors opened, exciting new futures and possibilities will undoubtedly conspire to speed your healing.

All my best,
James

Stu said...

So sorry to hear about Fox. He was certainly there for both of you and esp. for Rikki through many years. What a wonderful piece you wrote, Rikki.

So glad to hear your immigration went through-finally! what an ordeal. I/we are so happy for you. And good luck on your move. Will give a call in a week or so, after you get moved.

BestXXOO,

Stu

Brian said...

Awww *hugs* I'm sorry to hear that

Ryan said...

I so sorry to hear about Fox's passing.

Matter said...

Rikki and Chris,
Sadly, I feel what you're going through right now, I've been down this road, myself.
I wish all the best for you in your move and as I continue to follow your interesting lives through your travel blogs and videos, I hope you continue to keep me aware of what you're up to from time to time.

Louie

Rachael Antony said...

I'm very sorry to hear about Fox, and that he won't be with you for the next stage of your journey. But I wish him well on his way to the unleashed dog park in the sky...and I hope you and Chris are OK.

Best wishes, good to hear from you.

Take care,

Rachael :-)

baby cribs said...

I am so sorry to hear what happened to your little fox. I know what you feel because I also lost a dog like you. I know that you can move on quickly because you are a strong person.

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