by Annette Quinn
We lost you February 6, 2004. You were getting so old that you had no control any more. We talked to your Vet, she's been your doctor for 15 years, she said it was probably kidney disease and it was best to put you to sleep. I so wanted you to pass away at home on your couch with the house noises that were so familiar to you, but we had to make one last trip together. You were the happiest most gentle dog I have ever had. You grew up with my sons. They tugged and pulled you and it was ok with you. You loved when they laid on the floor with you. You loved to play keep away. You would run away from us but stay just out of our reach but within your sights. We learned to keep that one of us had to follow you and the other would go get the car and come get you. You loved going bye-bye in the car. I still look for you on the couch where you slept the last few years. I wonder why our beloved pets can't live as long as we do. Our last trip was hard. I held your head and talked to you until you drifted away. Then I fell apart. After it was over and your heart had stopped I kissed your nose like I always did and told you that you could chase all those bunnies and squirrels again like you did when you were young. Did you hear me? Are you happy? I wanted to bring you home and bury you close to us but the ground was frozen. Daddy tried for hours to dig a hole but couldn't. We bought a memorial rock and had your name engraved. We'll set it by the pond where we can see it always. Do you forgive us for not bringing you home? We miss you baby and talk about you all the time. I love you Coco be at peace and chase your bunnies and squirrels!