Today I take moment to celebrate her life and mark her passing.
She had not been eating or drinking for a few days this past week. We too were sick with the flu, but I knew she was dying. We all spent many sweet moments with her while she was resting. I told her the moment she told me she was in pain, I would take her to the doctor. Well on Friday night she started barking which is something she has never done in 14 years. She was a very quiet dog. Between basketball games on Saturday, we took her to the vet, and he was certain she was dying too. The children went out to the truck, and I stayed with her.
I whispered all the beautiful memories we shared in her ear. I told her how proud I was of her, the best dog in the world. I told her she was my friend, my partner, my quiet encourager. I was with her till the end trying to repay all the love that she had poured on me through the 14 years spent together.
She was our first child in many ways.
Before having human children, I brushed her teeth daily, celebrated her birthday by taking her to the pet store to let her pick out a present and treats. We took her everywhere we went. We even bought a vehicle that she would ride in comfortably. She didn't seem to mind the intrusion of human children. She enjoyed the additions to our family as they came. She taught them the game of catch like a pro.
She will be missed more than words can express. There will never be another Katie.
She had a beautiful life.
