farewell beloved friend

This was a bad day from the very beginning, but I was not prepared for how bad it would get, for how our dog would suddenly leave this world. Dennis did not want to nap until a little later than usual, which in retrospect was a real blessing. Once he did get to sleep, we started the process of getting the rest of our Christmas stuff (and the tree) out of the house. During the middle of all this, our much beloved golden retriever suddenly had a seizure and died. Honey had been healthy and happy, and then she was gone. She was almost nine years old, and she was the best dog in the world. Dennis woke up from his nap and David was already taking care of her grave and burial. Normally Dennis would ask me for a drink or ask me to play fire truck after a nap, but today he said "I had a nice nap. Mommy, where's my Honey?". I had agonized over what to tell him, but I decided on the truth, Honey got very sick all of a sudden and died. I had to tell him this a few times and then I told him what I hope is true, that Honey is in Heaven with Jesus. He hasn't asked again, but I'm sure he will. I'm glad he was asleep when it happened, but he must have somehow known something was up to ask about her the way he did.

She will be missed so much. I can't imagine another dog who would be as patient with Dennis as she was, who would be as smart as she was. David said we could get another dog if I wanted, but I can't even think about that yet. I'd like to think she had a wonderful life. She was certainly a blessing to us. Tabasco (our lab) and Marzipan (our cat) seem subdued and sad, and though I could train Basco to be an indoor dog, it would most likely be a disaster. He's just so exuberant and so darn big (and loves trash just too much). Four years ago, losing Honey would have devastated me beyond rational comprehension. Now that I have Dennis, I think differently. I am sad that she is gone and I will shed more tears for her when I forget and call her name or go to let her out or see her woobies (toys) around. She won't be around the dinner table with us every night and she won't be sleeping on her futon in our bedroom. But now I can step back and think about what an incredible and adventurous life she had and remember all the special time we spent with her, the vacations and the boat rides and the hikes and the parties...

Goodbye, dear Honey, and thank you for all the love you gave us. You were the very best. You are irreplaceable in our hearts, and we will never forget you.