Published with the author's permission.
I write in honor of my dear friend and companion, Edina dog, who will leave me this afternoon forever. Eddie came to us by way of my friend, Toni, who discovered her as a wee puppy abandoned in Palmer. Eddie chewed through shoes and books and purses. She grew and flourished, learning her territory from her friend, Cujo, who waits for her today. Eddie watched my daughter grow into a woman. She saw me through the end of a long marriage, disastrous relationships, and the happiness of meeting and marrying my good husband. She was a companion to my father, even to his suicide. She was loyal as I sank into the mire of alcoholism, and sat faithfully at my feet as I recovered. She comforted me when I lost my brother and two dear friends. She chased moose, alerted us to strangers, and joined the chorus of the twilight bark that keeps the moon up in the sky. She chased balls, and always greeted us with her happy smile. She left ungodly amounts of hair throughout the house twice a year. She never begged, but loved a treat. As she has spiraled into dementia and arthritis, she never complained, but only asked for more frequent love. She deserved more balls to chase and more rides in the car. I wish that I had never taught her not to sleep on the couch. I’m sorry I hollered at her when she dragged huge moose bones through the dog door. She has been my dear friend for fifteen years, and my heart is heavy with sadness as I bid her goodbye today. Pain is overcoming her joy, and it’s time, it’s right to let her go now. But I love her, and I grieve. Eddie dog is a good dog, and I love her.
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