Saying Good-bye

I know it sounds trite, but we had the BEST. DOG. EVER.  

I'll never forget picking up that little puppy on Bryant Street, the one who jumped up on the fence as we drove up, the one who I immediately knew was going to be part of our family.

Mickey, you were our practice kid.  Mark and I picked you to be a part of our family before any of the kids came along.  You never showed jealousy or one ounce of aggression toward any of the kids, or anybody else for that matter.  (Okay, squirrels, rabbits, and cats don't count!)

 My heart hurts and my eyes are burning.  It was a long night and a long day.  Thank you for giving us a chance to hold you and say good-bye!  

 It's hard to see the kids crying hard.  Hurting.  But we are so thankful for the times we had with you, for what you taught us, and for all the memories we will treasure in our hearts.  Ally made you a little poster/quote, the girls made you a garden stone, Cy gave you his football jersey, and some of the kids gave you personal notes.  Oh, and a bottle of bubbles.  We can't forget the bubbles!  Nobody could jump a vertical like you and eat up those bubbles!!

 This will be a special place to visit and talk with you, but there are so many other places that will remind us of you.  "Hotel Garage'"....the hill....the rug....the campfire...the pasture...the neighbor's...our hearts.  Like Mark said, you were a great example of how to treat others.  We thank you for that!!

I don't care what any theologian says.  Dogs are in heaven and they have souls.  Mickey, you were the smartest, most loving and toughest dog I've ever known.  I will never forget you.  You will always be a part of our family.  ALWAYS.  I love you and miss you already!