Thank You

I hate to see those tears in your eyes.
 
I could always sense when you were sad or upset in any way. I’d approach you at those times and comfort you the best I could.
 
I don’t want you to cry now, because you are giving me the greatest gift you could. Just like you’ve treated me so well over the years we’ve been together.
 
But now I’m old and it’s time for me to go. I think you knew it yesterday when you took me to the doctor. She checked me out and then looked at you and shook her head. You cried then. But I was happy.
 
I’ve hurt so much lately. Hurts I’ve never had before. Yesterday I relieved myself on the floor. I’ve never done that. I tried hard not to, but I couldn’t help it. You were wonderful. You cleaned it up and then held me in your arms.
 
You were good to me then just as you’ve been my entire time with you. You’ve fed me, given me water, walked me, and played with me. You’ve held me during thunderstorms when I was so scared. You’ve said the two of you were my “Mommy” and “Daddy.” That was okay with me, even though I vaguely remember my real mother when I was little.
 
I’ve tried to be good to you, because you’ve made me so happy.
 
I could have had a terrible life. I was put out on the street when I was small. A kind woman found me and took me to the shelter. I lived in a cage there. There was talk of overcrowding. Some dogs and cats were taken by the people who worked there. They were crying too, and I never saw those animals again. But you came and got me, and it has been a wonderful life.
 
But now I’m tired. I am ready to go. I know you are wondering if it’s the right thing. Please don’t hesitate. Even now, while we’re at the vet’s office, you are wondering if you should go ahead. It is the kindest action you could take for me.
 
The doctor is here with us. She has a needle in her hand and is looking at me with the caring she has shown during all those times she prodded and stuck me. This is the next to last stick, this one meant to calm. I am ready.
 
Just a little prick. I feel so peaceful. Just one stick left and I won’t feel it. I give a last twitch of my tail, my final gesture of love for you.
 
Peace at last.
 
— — --
 
What a place! There’s a machine tossing tennis balls all day long. I can chase them whenever I want. Bones are constantly resupplied in a big bin.
 
There’s my real mother with two of my brothers and a sister. I run to nuzzle them.
 
There are all kinds of pets here. Dogs, cats, parrots, ferrets, snakes, and so many more.
 
All are happy and friendly. Even the cats!
 
People too, all over the place. There’s an older woman surrounded by dogs and a couple of cats. I think they are the pets she had during her life. They seem to be waiting for something. A man suddenly appears. I guess they knew he was coming. He hugs the woman and pets all the animals who seem delighted to see him.
 
Mommy and Daddy, I hope you have a happy life. When it’s time, I’ll be waiting here for you. Well, maybe chasing a ball.
 
Thank you for giving me a happy life—and a peaceful death.