Epitaph to a Dog

Lilah (Golden Retriever, 2010-2022)

We released Lilah today, sending her along the path ahead of us. “You can run to the end and wait for us there!” The path feels empty without our companion, her coat shining white and golden and tail wagging to share joy and unconditional love.

The epitaph on the tomb of Lord Byron’s dog, Boatswain, captures a tribute I wish I had written of her.

‘Near this Spot are deposited the Remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the virtues of Man without his Vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human Ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog who was born in Newfoundland May 1803 and died at Newstead November 18th 1808.’

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About Roger Gosden

A British/ Canadian/ American scientist specializing in reproduction & embryology whose career spanned from Cambridge to Cornell's Weill Medical College in NYC. Married to Lucinda Veeck, the embryologist for the first successful IVF team in America. They retired to Virginia, where he became a master naturalist and writer affiliated with William & Mary. He also writes on Substack at What’s Hot in Fertility? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Gosden
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6 Responses to Epitaph to a Dog

  1. maria's avatar maria says:

    so sorry for your loss.

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  2. Susie Engle's avatar Susie Engle says:

    My deepest sympathies to you on the passing of dear Lilah.

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  3. Tom Gosden's avatar Tom Gosden says:

    Farewell Lilah, you will be missed

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  4. I’m so sorry… it is such a mixed experience to lose – and help – a beloved companion…

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  5. Jenny's avatar Jenny says:

    So sad to hear your lovely Lilah has gone – they always leave such an empty space behind, don’t they?

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