Before You Get That Cute Puppy, Imagine Life 10 Years From Now

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โ€œWhen I was in high school, I was adamant about getting my own dog. Weโ€™d had family pets before, but none of them were just mine.

My mom finally gave in, and we began our search. My heart was set on buying a Chihuahua until I found an ad in our local paper. The dog was a 6-month-old Jack Russell mix, and she didnโ€™t get along with the new dog. I was adamant; we were going to see her. She ran straight to the car, and after a small talk, she was in my lap headed home with my mom and me.

โ€˜Roxie or Winnie?โ€™ I asked my mom. She replied, โ€˜She doesnโ€™t look like a Roxie.โ€™ Winnie it was. That was the first time Winnie gave us her look. Iโ€™ve seen it a million times, and itโ€™s one Iโ€™ll wish I could see forever. Her eyes were the most expressive things on this planet. I could read every thought with that single look.

12 and a half years is a long time. You watched me graduate high school, rebel, graduate college, have a baby, move, get married, bring home other animals, knowing in your tiny soul, my world would still revolve around you.

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As long as you had the attention you demanded, you were always on board, whether it be sleeping all day or adventures. And I thank you for that. I never knew how much I needed someone to sleep by my bed on nights I was alone, judge me when I was dancing around the kitchen listening to pop music. Or simply have someone listen to me while I vented.

The beginning of your life was full of energy and fun, but your senior years were my favorite. Your face turned white, your energy dimmed, but you were wise in a way most wouldnโ€™t understand. It wasnโ€™t always easy, but I would do it a million times over just to be with you.

I started to wonder why people abandoned senior animals during their most precious and vulnerable times. I wonโ€™t ever be able to answer that. I just hope they stop and think.

Before you get that cute, full-of-life puppy, imagine life 10+ years from now.

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If your vision doesnโ€™t involve throwing on a swimsuit to get in the bathtub with your senior citizen dog because sheโ€™s having a bad day and scared, donโ€™t do it.

If you canโ€™t imagine cleaning up after them while theyโ€™re sick, donโ€™t do it.

If you laugh at the thought of a person cooking meals JUST to make their fur child eat, donโ€™t do it.

If you wouldnโ€™t stay up all night, just to make sure theyโ€™re still breathing and have all their needs met, donโ€™t do it.

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If you canโ€™t fathom the decision Iโ€™ll have to make soon, donโ€™t do it.

If you canโ€™t hold them until they take their last breath, donโ€™t do it.

She wasnโ€™t always this grumpy old lady with demands. 12 years ago, she was a puppy, and I was in high school. She was hyper, healthy, and full of life. It wasnโ€™t always like this, but when the time came, I stepped up and gave back to her what she had given me all of her life.

If you canโ€™t handle the end of their life, donโ€™t do it.โ€

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Courtesy of Brittany Tarkington

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brittany Tarkington. Submit your own story here.

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