Max

 Don't cry for me--I'm not in pain anymore.

15 years ago, I was playing on Spring Street, dodging cars, and running from one side to the other, when you stopped in your car, and called me over to you. I ran up to you, and loved you immediately. You hesitated and looked around for a while, and then decided to let me into your car. I knew I was going home, and away from where I had been before--my fur was caked in mud, and I had a tight collar on that was making it hard for me to breathe. I got to meet my sister Josie, and you gave me a bath, and made a whole bunch of phone calls, but I knew I was home.

I loved my new home, and my brothers, Milo and Norman, but they didn't want to play with me at first. I loved sleeping by your side, sometimes on the bed, and sometimes on the floor next to you. I didn't know better at first, when there was that one night I got locked outside when that other man was still around--I haven't seen him in a long time. I thought sleeping outside at night was normal, until you taught me better.
I remember shaking uncontrollably, and you were so worried--you took me to the doctor. She ran a bunch of tests, and then you started giving me pills every morning and night--they made me feel calm. Sometimes, I would be running through the house, and I wouldn't judge the door quite right, and I'd run into the door frame. I was so clumsy! But I felt better--you always knew what to do to make me feel better.
Do you remember when I should have won the obedience training competition? I had a seizure right before the class, and I couldn't quite remember everything I was supposed to do--but I remembered how to sit and stay better than anyone else in the class. Josie got 2nd place, and afterwards, we all knew I should have won. I was the best at obedience.





I remember you taking me running with Josie--she always went out too fast, and then I would be going stronger in the end. Sometimes, Josie would just stop and lie down, but I would want to keep running as hard as I could, and then one time, I collapsed and you took me home in a neighbor's car. I didn't want to disappoint you, so I just ran as long as I could, but thank you for only taking me for shorter runs...I couldn't keep up with you for as long anymore.

And in my new home, you and Brian only took me for walks. My hips hurt too much, and I had problems getting moving--but I loved my new home. It was peaceful--none of that loud, banging music from the old neighborhood. I woke up in the morning and sat in the back yard, and eventually moved inside, and watched the front of the house while I slept through most of the day until you got home.  I always ran to the door to greet you, and to greet Brian. Sometimes, when you both came home at the same time, I didn't know who to go to first. I was so happy to see both of you.

A year ago, I remember having a hard time walking, and I saw you crying, and I didn't want to disappoint you, so I learned how to walk again. I could never get stairs right again after that, but I wanted to. It was so hard--but I learned how to keep my back legs going, at least most of the time.  Thank you for making me eggs, I loved my scrambled eggs in the morning. But these past few months, my stomach didn't feel right, and I didn't want to eat anymore, but it made you happy, so I ate as much as I could.

When I got on the scale at the doctor's office this past week, I could tell you were sad, but I always felt better after you brought me here, so I told you not to worry. She took my blood and set me down on the table to take some pictures of my stomach. Thank you for coming home from work to spend Friday with me. I got to spend some quiet time with you and Brian. I didn't feel better this time, and I didn't want to eat anymore. I tried to keep you from seeing how much it hurt me, but sometimes, my legs just didn't work, and sometimes, my stomach hurt so bad, I didn't want to move. Thank you for knowing when it was time. I'm in a better place place now, and I can play with Josie, and fight with her over treats again.

When you're ready, don't forget to open up your heart and your home for some new friends. There's a lot of puppies out there that you need you, and you gave me 15 awesome years. It's too quiet for you right now, so don't ever forget all the good times you gave me, and all those great times going to dog beach, and dog park, and chewing on bones, and tennis balls. I loved my tennis balls, and I'll always love you.

--Max  

Woof!!!