The Sweetest Reward

These were our last moments together. The light was fading from your eyes. I held you tight and buried my face in your neck. I told you that my life changed the minute you came into it as a seven-week-old pup, that I’m a better person for knowing you, that because of you I learned things like tolerance and responsibility and forgiveness. And joy. Most of all, joy. I spoke your name. Hey Indy. Hey Buggy. Did you see me? Did you know I was there? Could you feel my love wrapping itself around you like angel wings? Did you know that saying goodbye was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do? Did you forgive me? I held on tighter, as if I could keep you here with me always with the strength of my embrace. I crooned to you and told you how very much I loved you as my tears fell against the soft fur of your face. You must have known. You must have. Because I could feel your love and your thanks even as you slipped away. And you were gone, leaving me with a memory that will burn forever in my heart of the most beautiful, sweetest, silliest and kind-hearted dog I have ever been honored to know. Rest peacefully my big ole bear and carry my love with you to wherever it is that dogs go. A great big piece of me is going with you, just so you know I’m there.

​Thank you, Indio, for being the best friend anyone could ever have and for letting me be a part of your life, just as you will forever be a part of mine. For any good I may have done in life, you were my sweetest reward.