::: A DOG'S LIFE ::: GOODBYE TO THE SWEETEST BEAR

Last Saturday morning, my parents had to make the tough decision to let their beloved and sweet boy go and be in peace. He came to them, over 12 years ago, from Airedale Rescue and it was absolute love at first sight. He loved them with all that he had and they loved him back with all that they could give and more.

I feel in my heart that "Edgar" came to them to serve many purposes, as I know that God has this plan for all of us and He even uses the most innocent of creatures, big and small, to serve His purpose.

You see, after retiring in Oregon, we all missed mom and dad so very much and although we would see them often and have that quality time, nothing could fill a void of the constant chatter of grandchildren or the ability to just see us for that quick dinner or cup of tea that we all so craved.

My mom and dad had had several dogs, when we were growing up and to even consider another one, was a big undertaking. They didn't want to take on another dog, unless it could get their full attention (unlike when we were young and living at home and "promising to walk the dog"). They wanted a dog that they could enjoy, embrace, walk with, lay next to, watch t.v. with and appreciate.

My dad had remembered my mom always talking about her fierce and loving protector, an Airdale, named "Major." During WWII, in England, times were very tough and people had to do what it took to survive. When my mom's dad left her and my nana alone, she was 6 years old and I believe, that God had pre-planted Major, in their life, as a source of comfort and security, during those difficult days and nights when she would be alone, her mom working, ...listening for the bomb sirens. She would spend hours, reading to him, closed up in her room and he would follow her down to the bomb shelter and lay over her, Mickey Mouse gas-mask, somewhat secure on her head. Nothing in this life is a coincidence and the more I try and deny there's a God, the more I realize I fail at it. He uses everything, including the speck of sand and the tiny bug to help us to see that no matter what, He is with us.

So, for her birthday, back in 2001, along came Edgar. A shy, somewhat unsure of himself, Airedale, that would fast become their secure best friend and a "dog rock star" to their friends, everyone that met him on the street, in the stores and especially with the grandchildren. He would greet you with his head bobbing up and down, barking, dancing his curly paws away and he would always remember you when you came back into his life, whether it was a month or a year. He loved to go camping and if you called out names, along the way, like, "horses, cows, dogs, etc., " he would race to the helm of the motorhome and bark like a lunatic!! He did the same thing, while watching Animal Planet, sitting straight up, at full attention. I swore my parents could have won that $10,000 prize, from the "Funniest Home Movies," had they submitted one!

But back to his purpose. 6 years ago, this coming August, my dad went through a terrible health crisis, and he felt lost and hopeless. I believe that Edgar helped to soothe the pain of that time, and kept my dad, not only busy, but healthy. Never was my dad in such good shape to face such an ordeal and with my mom, who has always been by my dad's side, and his biggest supporter, that dog walked him through it. literally.

On Saturday morning, my dad took Edgar out for what was now to be a very short walk and visit to his favorite park. With undue certainty, and a "second chance" operation, several months ago, the slow decline of his health was obvious and urgent. In the park, my dad was faced with the fact that things were declining rapidly and with agonizing pain he and my mom had to see their best friend through to the **Rainbow Bridge and let him go. I believe God savors a beautiful place, in heaven, made especially for animals that have done their time well on this earth.

He did his time well, like so many animals that are with us for a time. Some we recognize for all they are worth and some we leave out in the yard or drive by them, when they are abandoned, and never see them at all. We have 3 rescues and even though it's a tiny dent in a overpopulated world of animals, you never know what one small rescue will accomplish, until you do it and see how rewarding those simple, everyday gestures are, that we take so for granted. What they can truly mean to us.

They are the unconditional gestures humans rarely give each other. Eye to eye contact. smiles. hand shakes. and, .. walking by your side when no one else will.

Yes, I believe that God lives in all of us and especially in his creatures, big and small. He shakes your hand and walks beside you and you don't even know it.



** "Rainbow Bridge" comes from reading all the pet stories and eulogies in Best Friends magazine. Best Friends is a peaceful animal sanctuary in Utah where all animals have a second chance at life and are either adopted out or are cared for until that day comes.