today

Today.

Today you laid on the grass in the midday sun with the warm spring breeze blowing through your fur.  You closed your eyes as you laid back and the sun put you to sleep.  

You ate shredded chicken from the palm of my hand at noon after you decided not to touch it from your dish.  

You enjoyed going out in front to roam the front lawn and sniff all the doggy smells.

You laid in the front doorway with your brother and gazed out at the street.

You relaxed as I brushed the tufts of fur off your back.

You stood in the font entry with your little sister who was dressed up and pretended you were her magical horse.

You didn't seem to mind him licking your ears and leaving them wet with drool.

Even today, when your shrinking body had trouble keeping up, you stood at the backdoor and waited for permission to enter.

You looked up at me as if you knew today would be your last here with us.

Today, he will take you on one last road trip 250 miles north to be buried with your sister.  He will take great care digging a hole deep enough for your fragile body.  He will gently lay you in the earth and say goodbye one last time.  There, you will rest peacefully by the lake and we will always remember you.

You've been with us since our beginning...

Without you, there wouldn't be us.

We love you sweet boy.  We will never forget you.