Farewell Sweet Sophie

 

When you first decide to get a puppy, or a dog, you get yourself prepared for the big change that wonderful creature will bring into your home.  You are excited and anxious to begin this new adventure.

Then as the days slip into years, you are delighted at the joy and comfort this furry, big eyed, tail wagging, companion has brought to "what used to be"  just an ordinary day.  

It has always amazed me at how dogs are always happy to see you when you walk in the door, even when you have gone in and out that door 3 times for the past 30 minutes......each time you walk in, it's a great welcoming party......just for you.....because you are loved by them!

And when we are not so understanding of their mistakes, they love us anyhow and never remember ........and forgive us for our mistakes.......... All of this and so much more, we can learn from just having a loyal dog in our life.

But no matter how many times I have gone through the death of a beloved dog,  I am never prepared for when that day comes.  We go to the vet, I am told about how old and fragile our sweet dog is, .........and I can make a dreadful decision........at that moment.  But no, we take her back home  with a handful of magic pills and dog food, (that she really does not like), and I  think, in just a few days, she will be back to eating and playing........and we will still have a good bit of time with her in our life.

  And then, the day comes, when you realize, your happy dog is very ill and you have to sign this dreadful paper at the vet's office to allow such a sweet life........to be ended.

This happened today.........our sweet Sophie is gone.   I held and hugged her as the vet administered the shot........and that sweet brown eyed girl that was so full of life and love, within seconds, went down like a feather in my arms.......without a sound.

  And the happiness that we have known for the past 14 years floated away with her sweet spirit.  

Some day, when my time comes for me to leave this earth, I hope that wherever it is we go, that I will hear her bark and see her happy face and wagging tail .....

welcoming me as I open that door and walk in.

Contentment

 Here, in my world, without the noise and uncertainty of the news telling of the outside world's confusion, sadness, and  frustrations,

I lose myself into the quietness of the woods, still in dark silhouettes of the early morning and walk under the vibrant colors of an early morning sky, created without paint or brush.

 I share this moment with the wild birds whose songs echo through the woods and across the pastures.   Coyotes give their last call , as they vanish over the hills and a cow moos a long deep "moo '' from a neighboring ranch as the morning sun breaks the darkness of the night.

It's a peaceful blanket that envelopes this chilly barren land as far as the eye can see, and it's with contentment that  I start my morning and hope it stays with me throughout the day. 

Contentment is what I wish for you in these chilly days of February that lie ahead. 

 Keep warm on the inside and let your warmth shine on the outside!