A Goodbye.

1996-11/14/2011

To my little Ju Ju Bean,

You have been in my life since I was 12 years old an now all these years later I can’t imagine you not being here.  From day one there has been something special about you.  I mean- c’mon, you made a non-dog/pet person pick YOU over new stereo equipment for his Christmas gift- that’s how special you are. You came into our lives as a gift for my step-dad and were considered our family dog- but when I first laid eyes on your wrinkly body and little plump pig belly- I claimed you as mine. I massaged your gums when you were just a little pup to help your big dog teeth hurt a little less when they came in, I shared my bed with you until it was time for me to move away from home, I daringly let you pull me down the street on my rollerblades, you’d have sleep overs with my friends- me, you, and my best friend all sandwiched in a little bed together, we shared my favorite orange blanket, and then there was that one time where I was given superhuman strength to pull you out of the water when you flew off the boat to go after that “other” dog.  You caused chaos and we couldn’t take you anywhere- you ate all my Halloween candy- well only the good stuff, you left me the Smarties- you dragged me through the mud on more than one occasion, and you never ceased to give me a good chase as you ran wild through the neighborhood- and to think you ever had obedience training… but no matter how rotten you were, we couldn’t help but love you and all your craziness- it’s part of what makes you so special. You have forever wedged yourself into our hearts and have left your mark on all of our lives. Your spirit and gentleness goes unmatched.  Even now as you suffer holding on to each second, your spirit shines through and which makes this decision to let you go that much harder. I tell myself you have had a good life- that you have lived longer then most- and although I know these things are true, they do not lift the heaviness that is in my heart. I know there are people reading this that don’t understand- that think you are just a dog- but you are not just a dog. You are family. And if there is a doggy heaven, I know you will be there… young and healthy- and most likely.. causing chaos… which brings a smile to my face and comfort to my heart.
 
Goodbye friend. You will be missed beyond words.