I guess it's a question that many have an opinion about. Some insist dogs do not go to heaven, others feel the topic an abject waste of time. Still others feel that heaven would be a poorer place without them. I don't know whether or not dogs go to heaven, but I know that when we have to say goodbye to them here, it's painful and it's difficult, and they leave a huge gap in the lives of those they've shared space and time with.
Rick took my Stepdad and Cookie, my Mom's 16 year old companion and best friend to the vet yesterday where her pain became a thing of the past. I remember her sweet little face early on, when she was just a pup. Bright eyed, eager to please, tail sweeping back and forth gracefully. I remember how she'd give Mom a high five on request and how she'd eat her cookies quickly and then move on to Beau's as well. I remember the way she'd watch my Mom with her little black and tan head on her paws and hurry to get up and follow if it looked like Mom was going to leave the room.
I know how much Mom is going to miss her. Even Clay's eyes weren't dry as he and Rick left the vet's office holding only her well used collar and leash, missing already the wagging tail and soft brown eyes. Sixteen years is a long time to live with and love a sweet little dog; but it's not nearly long enough. Only Cookie's inability to climb up on her favorite chair; the way she circled a favorite napping spot on the carpet, unwilling to lay down when getting up again had become so difficult; and her shame at not making it out the dog door in time to avoid soiling the kitchen floor could convince my Mom to surrender in the battle to keep Cookie with her. She trusted my Mother to care for her, to provide for her and protect her... and to know when she'd had enough. My Mother kept that trust.
Cookie's pain is over, but Mom's will be a long time fading.
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