Coming to an Ending, and a Beginning

This is my 16 year old mutt, who is definitely showing her age. She has arthritis, and is slowly losing her sight and hearing. She's still sweet as pie, scared of thunder, and very persistent in asking for petting. She grew up in my parent's backyard, then moved inside at age 7 when our summers became too hot. Shortly thereafter, she came to live with my husband and I. It's been almost 9 years of alternating fun and exasperation, and comfort when life was difficult. As relatively healthy as she is for her age, I know her time will come sooner or later.

Due to complex health, I have been recommended for a service dog. I will shortly get a goldendoodle mini puppy that will be trained as a service dog for me. That involves a LOT of saving up, careful research, and shopping for necessary items.

Thinking on one life beginning as another is slowly dwindling makes me reflective, especially as I am the convergence of both lives. I do not believe in the "dogs go to heaven" or "rainbow bridge" or any similar model of animal afterlife--although..I don't object to being proven wrong in that, either. It would be nice to see again every animal that I have loved in my lifetime.

I only hope I can keep these two lives as happy and fun as they can be while they are in my care.