pets are people, too...

Got a call from Dad this morning about taking his little dog, you know, the one that doesn't know she's a dog--thinks she's the Queen Of All Things, to the vet. He wanted me to go with him in case he has to make a decision about quality of life. After consulting with the vet, who was very kind and thoughtful in weighing his opinion, we decided the quality of life for the little dog was fading fast and she just wasn't going to get any better. It was an emotional decision but we sent her to the Rainbow Bridge.

Pets are family, too, they are furry people. This dog had such spunk and personality... and attitude. For her whole life Dad and I would look at her and gush, "she's so cute!" Every single visit. Usually more than once. Because she was cute. Her actions, her attitude, her expressions all had a charm. A Shih Tzu named Tsing-tsing brimming with diva deliciousness.

My eyes are leaking. I'm not conscious of crying but my watery eyes are leaking. This was my dog by extension, even though she worshiped Dad. But I have been her primary caretaker whenever Dad needed me--on extended day trips or overnight. He'd call me to help with unpleasant dog-related tasks, (think medicinal) too.

He asked to have her ashes, I think he's going to bury them in his garden and plant some flowers in her favorite places. Nothing so heartbreaking as watching my father make this decision.

After, we went back to his house and had coffee and muffins. I picked up her blanket and her pillow and tossed them in the wash. I picked up her food dishes and put them in the sink. I picked up her cracker bowl and we laughed at how she had them wrapped around her finger. It really was a bowl for broken cracker dust. The house is missing an energy and a presence. When they go on overnight trips, I will feel like I'm cut out of the process.

I know there are some people who would say it's just a dog. But they didn't know the Queen.