A Mans best friend
Today I learned what the statement a mans best friend really is all about. After fifteen wonderful years, Romeo was laid to rest. This was by no means an easy decision to come by. But when I think of all the wonderful moments he brought to my life, what I offered him today was the best, most selfless gift one could ever give his dog. This may sound backwards and strange, I know.
Romeo has been at my side though countless ups and downs in my life. And while I thought I always had his best interest at heart, it was actually he who had mine. When I felt lonely, down, depressed, angry, frustrated, sad, mad, and any other strong emotion you can think of, he always knew just what to do. He'd come and lay his head in my lap and just look at me, or nudge my hand to pet him, and bring his toy that was five times to large to me to share, or curl up with me silently in bed. No matter what my situation was, he was always there.
Over the years there are many lives he was fortunate enough to have touched. Many people who got the pleasure of knowing what he had to offer. Romeo never forgot those who were important, even if it was years between reunions. He placed a smile on many faces, and not just mine.
But today was all about him. He and I cuddled for hours this morning while I rubbed his belly til he had a grin on his face. Then he got to have a great breakfast which helped him have energy for the day that lay ahead. We played on the living room floor with a stuffed animal twice the size of his head, and then he watched as everyone outside got in their cars and left for work. We then got to go on a car ride where he was extactic to have the wind in his face and not a care in the world.
When we arrived at the vets office for my last gift to him, they gently escorted us to a private room in the back. As much as I wanted to grab him and run as far away as possible from where we were, I knew inside my heart that what was about to come was the best thing I could do for someone who had always done so much for me. While yes, he had a great morning, his time had come. He was tired, he hurt from head to toe, eating was painful, and above all, he was no longer able to live the great life he was able to have known.
They gave him his injections and he and I laid on the floor holding one another. At first panic came across his face when he looked at me for he didn't understand what was happening. Then, relief. For a moment, he looked happy. As I laid there with him, he slowly drifted off into the eternal slumber. One where dreams of eating human food and humping stuffed animals, one where dreams of stairs to run up and drop balls down just because he can, can become reality once again for him. I truly believe that tonight he is in a better place for him. I may not be there with him, but he is no longer suffering, no longer in pain, and no longer tired.
I will forever miss my best friend. There will not be a time that comes around where I do not wish he was there to share in that moment. But if I didn't believe in a souls before today, I do now, and his will forever live on inside my heart.
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