As I placed my hand on the door knob this morning, I turned my head to the living room. But before the words "Come on, Bean," left my throat, I stopped myself. She's not here.
It's not like I didn't remember. No, yesterday will not soon be forgotten. Her diagnosis of bone cancer four short months ago knocked the wind out of us. Up until then she had been happy, and healthy, joining us on most every family excursion from quick trips to town to camping excursions halfway across the country. But lately the simplest task of climbing on the couch had become extremely difficult for her. She had lost the vision in one of her eyes, and falling down had become a several times a day occurrence. She was rapidly growing increasingly weaker, and the risk of her swollen, deformed leg snapping in one of her attempts to make her way to and from the porch had become much too high.
Tuesday we all spent the night downstairs with her, and yesterday morning was spent feeding her beef jerky and peanut butter - two of her favorites. We showered her with love, hugs, kisses and tears. And then we said good-bye.
She was our friend, and part of our family. While 10 years wasn't nearly long enough, I'm thankful for every day that we had.
Thank you, you utterly amazing, incredibly ridiculous, goofy, beautiful dog. You are loved, and you will be missed.
<3 Navy Bean July 10, 2007 - July 12, 2017 <3