Memories of Matty

Tim Poorker
Sportsmanšs
Corner
Posted 5/22/03

There is a special "something" about a dog you have had for a long time, something that makes them become an important member of your family. Quite possibly it is their unwavering loyalty and devotion. Or, perhaps, it is their uncanny ability to display unconditional love that forever endears them to you.

So it was with Mathilda, the pretty Irish Setter that was an important part of Cate and John Thompson's family. For 14 years, she was always there to greet them when they came home from work. But Mathilda, or Matty as they affectionately called her, died recently, leaving a hole in their family and in their hearts.

When Cate came home that day, it quickly became apparent that something was seriously wrong with the dog. Her crooked walk, unsteady gait and terrified look were symptoms of a major catastrophic event. She and John immediately took the sick and frightened animal to the Vet where the diagnosis was confirmed. Matty had a stroke and the prognosis was not favorable. Since there was little medically he could do for Matty, Dr. Tom Rohman consoled the Thompsons and put the poor dog to sleep. As you can imagine, it was a difficult and sad time for Cate and John but Dr. Rohman impressed them with his sensitivity that helped to ease the pain. "He was very good to us and to Matty," John recalled. "He was very kind and gentle."

Matty left a lasting impression upon her owners, too. As a faithful friend, carefree and loyal companion, devoted protector and non-voting family member, Matty left behind 14 years worth of memories: the playful pup romping, playing and running around their property; the mature pointing dog in her prime that allowed John to shoot many an upland bird over her; the recent senior years in which she came full circle, content to just cozy up by the fire, tolerating the cats or to sleep in the warm sunshine or playfully point songbirds, frogs or fallen leaves. Special memories of a special friend.

When I talked with John recently, he wistfully recalled how "I miss seeing Matty coming up the driveway to greet us." He went on to tell me about the special whistle he had for her. "If I couldn't see her I would whistle and she would always come." He shared some special and heartwarming memories of Matty with me. We talked for quite some time and he told me how he and Cate would take walks around their acreage and how "Matty would always tag along. Now when we walk," John said sadly, "we miss her...."

Yes, the Thompson family will miss Matty but there is a comforting thing about having a family dog around for so long and that is the lasting memories they leave behind. Though she is gone, the scores of mental images of Matty, young and carefree, hunting with John or relaxing by the fire with Cate, will last forever. Thanks, Matty, for the memories....