Malcolm Buckley's Blog - Posts Tagged "griefandloss"
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
Labrador Lifeline Trust shared a link.
Admin
Just to let you know that The Viking Way is now in our webshop at www.labrador-lifeline.com . All copies have been signed by Malcolm so if you would like one to give as a Christmas present then don't stop go straight from here to the website.
Malcolm very kindly donated these to the shop, and 100% of the cost price helps a Labrador in our care. Free postage as well.
Admin
Just to let you know that The Viking Way is now in our webshop at www.labrador-lifeline.com . All copies have been signed by Malcolm so if you would like one to give as a Christmas present then don't stop go straight from here to the website.
Malcolm very kindly donated these to the shop, and 100% of the cost price helps a Labrador in our care. Free postage as well.
In memory of those who wait at The Rainbow Bridge
They tell you not to cry.
They tell you that it’s just a dog, not a human being.
They tell you that the pain will be over.
They tell you that the animals don’t know that they have to die.
They tell you that it’s important not to let him suffer.
They tell you that you can have another one.
They tell you it’s going to happen to you.
They tell you that there is more pain.
But they don’t know how many times you’ve looked into your dog’s eyes.
They don’t know how many times you and your dog have looked into darkness alone.
They don’t know how many times your dog was the only one who was by your side.
They don’t know how much fear you have
at night when you wake up with your grief.
They don’t know how many times your dog slept near you.
They don’t know how much you’ve changed since the dog has become a part of your life.
They don’t know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don’t know how many times you’ve acted like you didn’t see his hair getting whiter.
They don’t know how many times you’ve talked to your dog, the only one who really hears.
They don’t know that it was just your dog who knew you were in pain.
They don’t know what it feels like to see your old dog trying to get up to say hello.
They don’t know that if things went wrong, the only one who didn’t go is your dog.
They don’t know that your dog trusts you every moment of his life, even in the last.
They don’t know how much your dog loved you and how it is enough for him to be happy, because you loved him.
They don’t know that crying for a dog is one of the most noble, significant, true, purest and warmest things you can do.
They don’t know when the last time you moved him with trouble… making sure it didn’t hurt him.
They don’t know what it felt like to pet their face in the last moments of their life….
In Memory of all those who wait for us at the rainbow bridge. You all have a place forever in our hearts
These are not my words, I just wished to share such beautiful sentiments. I hope you find comfort in them.
Much love
Malcolm
They tell you that it’s just a dog, not a human being.
They tell you that the pain will be over.
They tell you that the animals don’t know that they have to die.
They tell you that it’s important not to let him suffer.
They tell you that you can have another one.
They tell you it’s going to happen to you.
They tell you that there is more pain.
But they don’t know how many times you’ve looked into your dog’s eyes.
They don’t know how many times you and your dog have looked into darkness alone.
They don’t know how many times your dog was the only one who was by your side.
They don’t know how much fear you have
at night when you wake up with your grief.
They don’t know how many times your dog slept near you.
They don’t know how much you’ve changed since the dog has become a part of your life.
They don’t know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don’t know how many times you’ve acted like you didn’t see his hair getting whiter.
They don’t know how many times you’ve talked to your dog, the only one who really hears.
They don’t know that it was just your dog who knew you were in pain.
They don’t know what it feels like to see your old dog trying to get up to say hello.
They don’t know that if things went wrong, the only one who didn’t go is your dog.
They don’t know that your dog trusts you every moment of his life, even in the last.
They don’t know how much your dog loved you and how it is enough for him to be happy, because you loved him.
They don’t know that crying for a dog is one of the most noble, significant, true, purest and warmest things you can do.
They don’t know when the last time you moved him with trouble… making sure it didn’t hurt him.
They don’t know what it felt like to pet their face in the last moments of their life….
In Memory of all those who wait for us at the rainbow bridge. You all have a place forever in our hearts
These are not my words, I just wished to share such beautiful sentiments. I hope you find comfort in them.
Much love
Malcolm
Book Review: “The Viking Way: A Walk for Denver”
I am so grateful to Dan Santos for this empathetic, compassionate and honest review of my book. What an honour Dan, Thank you so much.
This is one of the most wonderful books about a dog I have ever read.
Denver was a Chocolate Lab, Malcolm Buckley’s best friend for almost 10 years. They had one of those relationships that death cannot touch, but it did. Their bond was one of those that ordinary people cannot understand, so they didn’t. But they did not have to understand it because no one else mattered. And they who mattered understood it and lived it fully until one day death came between their bodies but could not touch their souls.
Some people cannot understand a grown-up man sobbing uncontrollably as he walks alone in the same places they used to walk together. And these places are beautiful and real. The ordinary reader has never experienced the English eastern coast described so exquisitely as Buckley does because his words come from love. The ordinary tourist has never felt the rain fall on them like it falls on the trails Denver and Malcolm walked. They will never enjoy a pint in a pub close to where their memories welded together to form the magical land they used to call theirs. They can’t. The walk belongs to Malcolm and Denver alone.
We Americans may draw a blank at the inner Sea bank at Wainfleet where Malcolm asked his and Denver’s ashes rest some day in a watery grave; or Lincolnshire Wolds around Belchford, Fulletby and Scamblesby where their bond solidified. Few will understand why Malcolm decided to honor Denver’s memory by walking the 147 miles of confusing trails known as The Viking Way. But they don’t have to. He understands it. So does Denver.
Why would a man torture himself on a trek of grief and tears? Only his soul can explain it and won’t until the day they meet again. “Where there is deep grief, there was great love,” writes Buckley as he remembers carrying Denver’s collar throughout the entire pilgrimage. And you know what? Even in the loneliest, most difficult segments of The Viking Way he was never alone.
What a beautiful book from a wonderful person who loves a dog.
Five lovely Stars.
This is one of the most wonderful books about a dog I have ever read.
Denver was a Chocolate Lab, Malcolm Buckley’s best friend for almost 10 years. They had one of those relationships that death cannot touch, but it did. Their bond was one of those that ordinary people cannot understand, so they didn’t. But they did not have to understand it because no one else mattered. And they who mattered understood it and lived it fully until one day death came between their bodies but could not touch their souls.
Some people cannot understand a grown-up man sobbing uncontrollably as he walks alone in the same places they used to walk together. And these places are beautiful and real. The ordinary reader has never experienced the English eastern coast described so exquisitely as Buckley does because his words come from love. The ordinary tourist has never felt the rain fall on them like it falls on the trails Denver and Malcolm walked. They will never enjoy a pint in a pub close to where their memories welded together to form the magical land they used to call theirs. They can’t. The walk belongs to Malcolm and Denver alone.
We Americans may draw a blank at the inner Sea bank at Wainfleet where Malcolm asked his and Denver’s ashes rest some day in a watery grave; or Lincolnshire Wolds around Belchford, Fulletby and Scamblesby where their bond solidified. Few will understand why Malcolm decided to honor Denver’s memory by walking the 147 miles of confusing trails known as The Viking Way. But they don’t have to. He understands it. So does Denver.
Why would a man torture himself on a trek of grief and tears? Only his soul can explain it and won’t until the day they meet again. “Where there is deep grief, there was great love,” writes Buckley as he remembers carrying Denver’s collar throughout the entire pilgrimage. And you know what? Even in the loneliest, most difficult segments of The Viking Way he was never alone.
What a beautiful book from a wonderful person who loves a dog.
Five lovely Stars.
A brief excerpt from The Viking Way ‘A Walk for Denver’
I awoke with a jolt, checked my watch, 4.10 am. Something was wrong! I’d been asleep since midnight. He was not in the room. A feeling of dread rose from my stomach and stopped at my heart.
Jumping from the settee, I dashed from the lounge into the dining area. He was lying next to my desk looking absolutely serene and at peace. Looking up at me he thumped his tail a couple of times as I laid down beside him. ” Hey buddy, what are you doing in here then”?
I had no idea how long he’d been there, or what he’d been thinking. I had not slept that long for months. Lying next to ‘Denver’ my beloved Chocolate Labrador now was perfect. Yet, in this moment I did not know he had less than four hours to live.
I cherished the time here to hug him, kiss him and tell him how much I loved him.
I grilled a piece of Salmon, and hand fed it to him on his bed, aware of the unconditional bond of love that bound us together as one. Yet, in this moment, I did not know this would be his final meal. I truly had no sense of what was coming at us, and how soon it would be here.
Jumping from the settee, I dashed from the lounge into the dining area. He was lying next to my desk looking absolutely serene and at peace. Looking up at me he thumped his tail a couple of times as I laid down beside him. ” Hey buddy, what are you doing in here then”?
I had no idea how long he’d been there, or what he’d been thinking. I had not slept that long for months. Lying next to ‘Denver’ my beloved Chocolate Labrador now was perfect. Yet, in this moment I did not know he had less than four hours to live.
I cherished the time here to hug him, kiss him and tell him how much I loved him.
I grilled a piece of Salmon, and hand fed it to him on his bed, aware of the unconditional bond of love that bound us together as one. Yet, in this moment, I did not know this would be his final meal. I truly had no sense of what was coming at us, and how soon it would be here.
This certainly brightened up a dull day
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Thrilled to finally read Malcolm's very personal and beautiful account of his epic journey, in honour of his cherished chocolate Labrador, Denver.
Malcolm's tribute to his much missed and incredibly loved friend and soul mate, is both moving and profound. This is a deeply personal and spiritual pilgrimage, which sees Malcolm triumph through his immense physical and emotional pain. A wonderfully written human story. A true testament to the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Wonderful..
Thank you so much whoever you are x
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Thrilled to finally read Malcolm's very personal and beautiful account of his epic journey, in honour of his cherished chocolate Labrador, Denver.
Malcolm's tribute to his much missed and incredibly loved friend and soul mate, is both moving and profound. This is a deeply personal and spiritual pilgrimage, which sees Malcolm triumph through his immense physical and emotional pain. A wonderfully written human story. A true testament to the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. Wonderful..
Thank you so much whoever you are x
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
This is an extraordinary story of immeasurable love between a man and his beloved chocolate Labrador named Denver. To see Denver's pictures with his beautiful face and kind eyes touches the soul. I can't say enough about this heartfelt story, but I highly recommend it. I am honored to have a signed copy from Malcolm Buckley where I have it displayed. On Facebook and Good reads, I give this the Five stars it so deserves.
Thank you Jan x
Thank you Jan x
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
Excited to announce that my book, The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' is to be placed in 20 Lincolnshire Libraries.
The Viking Way official Trail end is at Oakham Library in the County of Rutland 150 miles from it's start at The Humber Bridge.
Oakham Library also houses the 'finisher's book' for those that complete the Viking Way Trail.
They have confirmed a copy of my book is now in the Library to loan, and another copy is held in the Rutland County Museum.
A wonderful tribute to my beautiful Chocolate Labrador 'Denver'.
In Denver's memory, 100% of all proceeds from sales go to The Labrador Lifeline Trust to help other Labradors in their care.
The Viking Way official Trail end is at Oakham Library in the County of Rutland 150 miles from it's start at The Humber Bridge.
Oakham Library also houses the 'finisher's book' for those that complete the Viking Way Trail.
They have confirmed a copy of my book is now in the Library to loan, and another copy is held in the Rutland County Museum.
A wonderful tribute to my beautiful Chocolate Labrador 'Denver'.
In Denver's memory, 100% of all proceeds from sales go to The Labrador Lifeline Trust to help other Labradors in their care.
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
A lovely email from Oakham Library in Rutland, the official finish of The Viking Way Long Distance Footpath.
'We do have a catalogue record and the Book itself will obviously be available and visible in the library. We also regularly do dedicated displays for local interest items and books by local authors.
Oakham Library staff are aware of The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' as we get quite a bit of interest in animal- and dog-related stories and biographies etc. so although this is local interest it is placed in the main Library collection rather than on the local studies shelves to get the widest possible audience. Your book has been catalogued, and plenty of access-points added for it to come up on searches, not all of these display on the online version of the catalogue, but they are there ‘behind the scenes’. We have two loan copies of The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' as I’m expecting this to get some interest and be borrowed. We’ll be opening for browsing again from next week, so I’m pretty positive about it being found.'
My personal thanks to Emily Barwell of Oakham Library.
'We do have a catalogue record and the Book itself will obviously be available and visible in the library. We also regularly do dedicated displays for local interest items and books by local authors.
Oakham Library staff are aware of The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' as we get quite a bit of interest in animal- and dog-related stories and biographies etc. so although this is local interest it is placed in the main Library collection rather than on the local studies shelves to get the widest possible audience. Your book has been catalogued, and plenty of access-points added for it to come up on searches, not all of these display on the online version of the catalogue, but they are there ‘behind the scenes’. We have two loan copies of The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' as I’m expecting this to get some interest and be borrowed. We’ll be opening for browsing again from next week, so I’m pretty positive about it being found.'
My personal thanks to Emily Barwell of Oakham Library.
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
The following Lincolnshire Libraries now have copies of The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver' for loan on request, in 'Travel & Tourism'.
Boston Library
Caistor Library
Gainsborough Library
Grantham Library
Horncastle Library
Lincoln Central Library
Louth Library
Rural North Lincolnshire Mobile Library
Skegness Library
Sleaford Library
Spalding Library
Stamford Library
Waddington Library
Alford Library
Bracebridge Heath Community Library
Cherry Willingham Community Library
Mablethorpe Library
Market Rasen Library
Spilsby Library
Wainfleet Library
Boston Library
Caistor Library
Gainsborough Library
Grantham Library
Horncastle Library
Lincoln Central Library
Louth Library
Rural North Lincolnshire Mobile Library
Skegness Library
Sleaford Library
Spalding Library
Stamford Library
Waddington Library
Alford Library
Bracebridge Heath Community Library
Cherry Willingham Community Library
Mablethorpe Library
Market Rasen Library
Spilsby Library
Wainfleet Library
The Viking Way 'A Walk for Denver'
Jan Bodner
I was thrilled to write a 5 star review---(would do again if only I could) But at least here I can say for others---This is an extraordinary true story of the most remarkable love between man and his beloved chocolate lab named Denver. Through the reading, I could feel the heart of Malcolm and understand how very special Denver was. I know he will continue to live on in the hearts of all who came to love him--albeit may any of us be fortunate to know or have known such incredible and undying love ..... If you have not read--I endorse, having read it, and still have it in view so I will never forget. I only hope many more will read this book. Most sincerely--JB
I was thrilled to write a 5 star review---(would do again if only I could) But at least here I can say for others---This is an extraordinary true story of the most remarkable love between man and his beloved chocolate lab named Denver. Through the reading, I could feel the heart of Malcolm and understand how very special Denver was. I know he will continue to live on in the hearts of all who came to love him--albeit may any of us be fortunate to know or have known such incredible and undying love ..... If you have not read--I endorse, having read it, and still have it in view so I will never forget. I only hope many more will read this book. Most sincerely--JB
Malcolm Buckley's Blog
- Malcolm Buckley's profile
- 7 followers
Malcolm Buckley isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
