This is a sad story about a dog.
When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. Despite a couple of chewed shoes and murdered throw pillows you called me your best friend. My house training took longer than expected because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights nuzzling in your bed listening to your secret dreams and confidences. I believe my life couldn’t be more perfect. We took car rides, trips for ice cream, and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home each day. Gradually you were spending more time on your career, and searching for a human mate. I waited patiently for you and comforted you through heartbreaks, disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped around with glee at your homecomings, and even when you fell in love. She, now your wife is not a dog person- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human baby came along and I shared your excitement. I was festinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room. Oh how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love. As they began to grow I became their friend. They clung my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on the nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch- because your touch was so infrequent- and I would have defended them with my life if needed be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me in your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered yes and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to just a dog, and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you will be moving into an apartment that does not allow pets. You made the right decision for your family, but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said I know you’ll find a good home for her. They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with papers. You had to pry your sons hands loose from my collar as he screamed no daddy! Please don’t let them take my dog! And I worried and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship, loyalty, love, and responsibility, and respect for all life. You gave me a good buy pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet now and now I have one too. After you left the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago, and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked how could you? They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first when anyone passed my pen I rushed to the front, hoping it was you- that you had changed your mind – that this was all a bad dream…or hoped it would at least be anyone who cared, or who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, obvious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited . I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was going to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As if my nature I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slip the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured how could you? Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said I’m so sorry. She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned or have to fend for myself- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my how could you was not meant for her it was ment for you my beloved master. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
xThe Forgotten Angelx Community Member 
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