It’s been a busy few weeks around here. Somewhere in between packing, driving 11 hours to our new city, unpacking, and letting the dust settle at the new place, my wife and I found out our dog Cyrus has T cell lymphoma. Statistics say he doesn’t have much time.
We’re devastated. Cyrus has been such a huge part of our lives.
This isn’t going to be easy.
I looked through old pictures hoping it would help me feel better yesterday. And by doing so, I realized my dog has had more adventures than some people out there.
There were dozens of camping trips, sometimes in the rain:
There’s the time my wife talked us into driving around the entire Salton Sea:
We hung out at Joshua Tree National Park on that trip, too:
Cyrus will make a game out of anything. Here he is pulling small boulders from a cold Sierra lake:
We always enjoy quality time on the beach:
Hiking and backpacking with Cyrus is a blast. Here we are on a walk in Ouray, Colorado. The funny thing about this picture is that we saw a bear a minute later about 50 yards away. Cyrus didn’t even notice.
We’ve spent hours and hours wandering the woods together:
And battling all sorts of weather together:
We have so many great memories with this dog. He’s been by our side during the best and worst of times. Watching him having fun and being happy makes us happy. And if there’s one thing Cyrus knows how to do, it’s how to have fun and be happy. Life is an endless adventure with him.
You’ll always be my best friend, buddy:
eric murtaugh 
Oh Eric…..very sad….but Cyrus will always be there, not as good as in real life, but in memory and concept. Take him with you on your future adventures and it may help ease the loss.
Too many great memories to count!
Dude, I’m so sorry.
Thanks so much for introducing him to us.
He sure is a rad dog.
So sorry. I recently lost my long-time canine traveling companion. It’s hard. I hope, if you decide to get another dog, you find one as perfect as I found for me.
So happy to hear you found another perfect dog! I’m sure it isn’t easy at first.
aww…Eric, I love your Cyrus. This post brought tears to my eyes..it did…It’s very hard to lose a pet. I am truly sorry. My dogs go on lots of our adventures, too. Hang in there!
What kind of dogs do you have?
I have two labs and a German Shepherd mix….all three were rescue dogs. They are like my kids!
All great dogs, I’m sure! Good on ya for adopting rescue dogs.
Best dog ever. Son, I can’t even find the words to express my sadness. He has taught you to love fiercely and with abandon…hang on to that, it’s such a gift.
Thanks Mom.
Love you cy…….have ur dad cook u up some bacon for u love emma
Thanks fam.
From my experience nothing is more special than the love for and from a loyal animal. I am deeply sorry for both you and the super adventurer… it breaks my heart.
Couldn’t agree more Franco. Very well put.
I am so sorry to hear about Cyrus. Our pets give us so much love and companionship and ask for very little in return.
So true, Sandy.
I “liked” this, but I don’t “like” it,,,you know that…..
My little guy is struggling right now, and to hear about Cyrus…well,,,brings tears
to my eyes…I’m so sorry for the pain you feel….with love, there’s always pain isn’t there 😦
Best of luck to your little guy. Hope he feels better soon. You’re right. Love and pain are closely associated. I’m happy for all the good times we had together.
I’m saddened to hear about Cyrus, but thank you for sharing your adventures Eric. You brought tears to my eyes. Losing a beloved pet is extremely difficult, since they are so much a part of your family. My thoughts will be with all three of you. Love you.
I appreciate that Aunt Laurel. Love you too.
A beautiful acknowledgement of a character that was so dear for you. I hope that he does not suffer too much in the end. He looks quite a personality.
He’s got the biggest personality I’ve ever seen in a dog! Such a ham.
So difficult to say good bye to your beloved pet, but you have many many great memories together. They say he will be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge, running and playing with others waiting for you to arrive and great you! So sorry Eric!!
Cyrus will most likely be chewing on Rainbow Bridge when I arrive. 🙂
Eric, I’m so sorry. You’ve given cyrus such a beautiful, love filled life. I just had my cat of 17 years put to sleep- she had a tumor. It’s incredibly painful to say goodbye but I believe, with all my heart, that we’ll see our friends again. When we cross over, they’ll be there to greet us.
I love your pictures. Cyrus looks like such a sweetie.
I’ll be thinking of you…
Sorry to hear about your cat! It’s never easy. Cancer sucks! Thanks for the support friend. I hope you’re feeling OK.
Shit!! I loved all my dogs, but the inevitable happens. If they could only live 70 or 80 years.
Never gets any easier, does it? I’d definitely be OK with 70 to 80 years.
Damn. I am very sorry Mr. Eric! We’ve said goodbye to 2 of our beloved Boxers over the years and I know how hard it is- hang in there!
Thanks Ginger!
oh…Eric..I am so sorry …I don;t even know what to say.. it hurt to read this.. I just my heart goes out to you and your wife … our furry companions are so much more then pets..
What a beautiful tribute and a handsome boy he is… .