A letter to JD

Dear JD,

Thank you for the time you spent here with us. You were the best doggie in the whole wide world, and although I complained about your barking way too much, I loved you. And I miss you. It's strange without you around. We were outside last night, hanging around the fireplace eating toasted marshmallows, and it was weird because for the first time, you weren't there to eat them with us. You always loved being out there...next to the warm glow of the fire, snuggling up to get a kiss or gulp down a purposely dropped marshmallow.

It's hard to believe that you're gone. I've known you since I met Daddy--when you were still young, energetic, and full of life. This disease took you quickly. It was just a couple of months ago that you got sick, and then you began to deteriorate very quickly.

Daddy was distraught on Saturday when we took you into the vet's office, and understandably so. I was glad I insisted we all go as a family. It happened very quickly, and with no pain, but it was hard to see you leave us. When you were gone, Daddy told me he could see the life leave your eyes. We were all very, very sad.

But last night something so bizarre happened to me. I thought I heard you bark, and I woke up and remembered you were gone. I swear it was so real--I felt like I really heard you just outside my door. I told Daddy this morning that I think that was your way of saying goodbye to me.

So, goodbye, JD.

For all the complaints about barking and slobber--you were the best doggie ever. I loved your thumping tail when I would walk into the room, how you would rest your muzzle on my lap so gently when I'd sit beside you, and how your eyes would flutter when I'd pat you on the head. Your eyes were so beautiful, so human, so real. We all loved you and you have no idea how much you will be missed.

I love you.
Mommy.