For the second time in 29 days, I went to the vet’s to put another beloved pet to sleep. Once again, cancer was the culprit.
On Labor Day weekend of 1994, I drove out into the farm country of southwestern Idaho to get a puppy, a border collie. Misty was adorable from day one. She loved the outdoors and was always on the move. When she got the chance, she loved to herd the grandchildren when they were toddlers. We had lots and lots of video of her racing around the backyard, throwing a biodegradable flower pot, minus its bottom, into the air and catching it by sticking her snout in the air and letting it fall over her to become a collar. Crazy, crazy dog.
Misty loved people, and her favorite thing in the world was to catch the Frisbee. She would do it until she dropped dead if a person wanted to throw it long enough. And she was smart. She was also a little dangerous if she got to playing in the house. She was no respecter of property.
She was a good “big sister” to Tiko (2 years younger) and Poppet (almost 10 years younger). Three female dogs is never a good idea, I suppose. But it was the littlest of the three that was the most alpha female. Yet even when she was picked on by either Tiko or Poppet, Misty usually submitted, preferring peace to strife.
When I downsized my home and yard, Misty went to live with my oldest daughter and her family. They were all so good to Misty and loved her as if she’d always lived with them.
Yesterday, we were all five of us there to say goodbye, and all five of us were crying. But the tumor in her throat made her breathing agony and it was painful to hear how she was struggling. There was a relief when it was clear she didn’t have to struggle anymore.
It is comforting to think that Tiko was waiting for her and that the two of them are once again running and playing as they did so often in life.
Good old dog. I’m gonna miss you.
******
In keeping with my month of gratitude expressions, I’m thankful today for all the pets who have added such joy to my life, from childhood to now.
-rlh-
