A Precious Dog

I always said we were kindred spirits because I felt we had a lot in common. We were both older ladies; we've had babies multiple times and our bodies showed it; we had arthritis that at times became unbearable, just to name a few. On occasion, we would complain to each other about these things. Ok, I complained, she listened.

She had lived a good long life and because she was an "old lady" dog, I thought she should have what ever she wanted. I soon became her "snacky snack" provider, at home and during car trips and I inadvertently created a monster. If I wasn't fast enough in serving them or, God forbid, we were out of snacky snacks, oh man! She'd let me have it and would bark incessantly at me!

On her very last car trip, that dreaded one to the vet, I had forgotten the snacky snacks. Of all the times to forget! Well, she of course, let me know how she felt about it and barked at me just about the whole ride from home to the clinic. That's a good half an hour or more but I knew I deserved it and I had inner turmoil thinking "Why in the world did you forget her snacky snacks, today of all days!? On THIS trip!?!" Ugh!

When we arrived at the clinic, due to Covid rules, we call to let them know we are there and wait in our vehicle. Soon after, they came out and administer a shot that causes her to doze off before they take her inside. It's in the next few moments that I experience something that will stay with me always.

I pet her head and tell her I love her. I let her know she's sweet and that she's the best dog ever. If I pause from petting her, so that her dad can have a moment with her, she taps (well, more like hits!) me on my arm. Her dad is telling her she's the best baby girl, that he loves her so much and gives her lots of hugs, kisses and ear rubs. He is her favorite person on the planet and she loves him above all others. Any attention from him is her heaven.

She taps me on my arm once more and she holds it there for a long moment, so I hold her paw. She gradually gives in to the sedation and is fully asleep. After they take her inside, the sadness of losing this lovely dog is overwhelming. The tears flow.

I think about her last moments and how loving she was to us. She knew it was time and I got a sense that she was trying to make US feel better. I know that I definitely felt forgiven for being the snacky snack lady that had no snacks. I hold on to sweet thoughts like that.

Now I've known this dog for about three years but I've only been close to her since the beginning of this year and my heart is heavy. She's been in her dad's life for over thirteen years! My feelings barely scratch the surface of what he's going through, I'm sure. God bless his broken heart.

I must say, it was an honor to be able to share this profound "Precious" time with her and her dad. It'll be with great fondness whenever I think of her and memories of her are sure to become some of my favorites. I will miss her, that lovely sweet dog, always.

R I P ~Precious~ 06/16/2021