A Tribute to Asa and the Legend of Fingal’s Dogstone (Clach a’ Choin)
‘Gaisgeach nan Glinn’
Thuit an darach as àirde sa choille,
Sguir an cridhe as gaisgeile a bhuail.
Sheas thu gu làidir an aghaidh gach gaoithe,
Do neart na sgiath dhuinn ann an dorchadas an latha.
Air a ghlùin cha deach thu riamh roimh dhuine,
Gaisgeach air thalamh, a-nis na rionnag sna speuran.
Cha deach do sgeul a chall, a charaid,
Mairidh do chliù dhuinn mar sradag sa ghrìosaich.
Bidh cuimhne air do neart fhad ‘s a ghabhas sinn anail.
English Translation:
‘Warrior of the Glens’
The tallest oak in the forest has fallen,
The bravest heart that beat has ceased.
You stood strong against every wind,
Your strength was a shield to us in the darkness of the day.
On your knee you never went before anyone,
A warrior on earth, now a star in the skies.
Your story has not been lost, my friend,
Your renown will remain with us like a spark in the embers.
Your strength will be remembered as long as we draw breath.
Dear Angel Asa,
We apologise for the delay in publishing this tribute post in your honour. I promise that it is going to be a celebration of your life, but we also have to be honest and share that the past few days have been difficult since you made your journey to Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts are breaking and the tears keep flowing, but we find solace in knowing that you had an epic reunion with Angel Chuck Billy and Lemmy. We hope you have also been able to find Sawyer, Finn, and Stirling. Please give them hugs and kisses from us!
I don’t think it’s possible to adequately put in words how much we have cherished your friendship since we started our Wee Walking Tours journey eight years ago. You and Chuck Billy were two of our very first supporters and we have so enjoyed following along with your adventures on social media and on your Living with a Golden blog.
You really are the ‘Amazing Asa’ and, boy, have we learned some important lessons from you. In fact, this past week we took a trip out west to Oban, and there is a legend of a dog that reminded us of you. That’s because - like you - this dog was larger than life. Do you mind if we tell you about it? We know you have a lot of catching up to do at Rainbow Bridge, so we will be quick.
The other day, on our walk up to Dunollie Castle (don’t worry, we’ll tell you more about that in a later post), we came across the magnificent stone pictured below- it’s called Fingal’s Dogstone or Clach a’ Choin in Scots Gaelic. That’s because, according to legend, this is the rock where the ancient heroic warrior of Celtic mythology, Fingal, would tether his mighty dog, Bran, when he went hunting. You see, Fingal and Bran weren’t just mere humans - they were giants!
While Fingal was away, Bran would would move around so much that his golden chain wore down the rock, and you can still see this today as the rock is much narrower at the bottom.
Like Bran, you are also a larger-than-life dog, Asa - one with incredible strength, fierce loyalty, and almost magical capabilities. Now, we know what you’re thinking, Asa, Bran’s warrior status has reminded you of your lifelong desire to become a Dire Wolf. Well, we hope you can now channel your inner Dire Wolf more at Rainbow Bridge.
Your indomitable spirit is one that we will absolutely never forget and one that will also live on in legend like Bran. We will always remember your loving nature, generosity, positive attitude, and rock star qualities. Those are characteristics that we should all strive to demonstrate more in own lives.
While we, of course, have our precious memories of you and Chuck Billy, we know we can also go back and look over your countless adventures and explorations that you undertook over the years on your blog. It’s fun to reminisce and revisit old friends. We also look forward to continuing our support of the blog in whatever way your Mom decides to continue with it.
Be assured that we will check-in with your Mom from time to time and we offer all our love and support to both your Mom and Dad. We would also be so happy if she wants to continue to follow Walter’s and Arthur’s adventures around Scotland. We do so in your honour and we promise to live in the moment just like you.
We apologise if this post is a bit all over the place. We have so much to say but are struggling to form coherent thoughts and type among the tears that continue to flow. Just know that we love you dear Asa and we will never forget the joy that you and Chuck Billy have brought us!
Love always,
The Wee Walking Tours Family
Until next time, we echo your motto- "Learn from Dogs. Be More Dog!"
p.s. Arthur and Walter want you to know that they are thinking about you and send all their love!
