โWhen I was in high school, I was adamant about getting my own dog. Weโd 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 didnโt 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.
โRoxie or Winnie?โ I asked my mom. She replied, โShe doesnโt look like a Roxie.โ Winnie it was. That was the first time Winnie gave us her look. Iโve seen it a million times, and itโs one Iโll 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.
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 wouldnโt understand. It wasnโt 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 wonโt 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.
If your vision doesnโt involve throwing on a swimsuit to get in the bathtub with your senior citizen dog because sheโs having a bad day and scared, donโt do it.
If you canโt imagine cleaning up after them while theyโre sick, donโt do it.
If you laugh at the thought of a person cooking meals JUST to make their fur child eat, donโt do it.
If you wouldnโt stay up all night, just to make sure theyโre still breathing and have all their needs met, donโt do it.
If you canโt fathom the decision Iโll have to make soon, donโt do it.
If you canโt hold them until they take their last breath, donโt do it.
She wasnโt 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 wasnโt 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 canโt handle the end of their life, donโt do it.โ
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This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brittany Tarkington. Submit your own story here.
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