A Boy and His Dog

Today, a chapter in my book of life came to an end. It's been a great chapter, and one that I hate to close. My dog, a German-Shepherd-mix I named "Dascha", was put to sleep this evening. I wasn't there to say goodbye to my faithful friend of 15+ years, and that causes my heart to ache. How does one sum up all of the memories we've shared? I can't list them all, but I need and want to say goodbye to my old friend. I owe her that much.

Dascha was a present to me from my Mom on my 20th birthday in 1993. My Mom found her at the Animal Shelter and rescued her. She was tiny - the runt of a litter of pups that had been dumped off at the Shelter. I think Dascha knew she had been spared, and gave us all unconditional love for the lifetime she spent with us. After I moved out of my folks place, I didn't get to see Dascha as often as I would've liked to, but she was always there to greet me whenever I came over with her one-of-a-kind bark/howl. Dascha was always up for a game of tug-o-war, fetch, and ALWAYS loved her walks with my Mom and Dad. Heck, anyone who'd take her for a walk was good in her book. She loved her dog biscuits, too. We taught her how to balance them on her snout and hold still until we told her to "Get it!"

Over the past year or so, age has been catching up to Dascha. I don't think it was the age quite as much as it was the mileage on her body. Dascha was always active and playful, and so, so smart. Recently, her hind legs weren't cooperating when she wanted to get outside, go on a walk, or to do her "business" in the backyard. Over the past few days, she was dragging her hind legs around, which rubbed away her nails and paw pads, causing open wounds. Her spirit was strong, but her body was weakening. Mom told me the other day what was transpiring with Dascha, and I knew that her remaining time was short. The inevitable could not be staved off much longer.

Tonight hasn't been easy for me. My emotions are running high, and the tears come easily. Part of me wanted to be there to hold Dascha and say goodbye, but part of me didn't. That's not how I wanted to remember Dascha. My Mom and sister, Wendy, drove Dascha down to the vet's office and made the decision that I knew had to be made. Thank you, Mom and Wendy, for being there for Dascha this evening. I know it wasn't an easy choice to drive away and know that our beloved girl wasn't coming home with you. I'm just glad to know that Dascha isn't suffering anymore, and that she'll be my dog on the other side when it's my turn to go.

So, Dascha - Thank you, girl. Thank you for 15+ years of unconditional love, and countless fond memories. I'll miss your unique bark, your "handshakes", and the warm comfort of your companionship. Goodbye, my old friend. I love you, girl. Always have - always will. I miss you.