Man's Best Friend

  Have you ever had a dog? How about one that was your absolute best friend? Dogs (and cats too of course) are such an asset to our lives, a relational enhancer. They are also just plain fun, snuggly and sometimes a real pain. But when you have one that is family, grows up with your kids and is with you longer than most marriages these days last, when it is time to say goodbye, how is that ever easy?

  We know what good pet ownership should be. Sometimes we live up to that expectation, sometimes we don't. But as much as our pets love us, how can we not be brave enough to do the kindest thing, the most compassionate thing for them? Today my aunt and her family put to sleep their sweet boxer girl, Charlotte. She wasn't a dog, she was people, she was family, and sometimes, she was the Avon Lady and the Taxi Driver among other things. Charlotte was a nursing home regular when my grandpa was there, she was a pet parade participant ( a LOT ), she was nurse maid to many creatures, she was a food beggar (always ~ and she was good at it), she was SMART and knew more tricks than any other dog I know, she was loved to the moon and she was one lucky dog. She lived a great life with a family that loved her. And not many dogs get that chance.  Give your dogs, cats, kids, whatever a hug tonight. Make sure they are warm, fed, dry and loved. Our dogs think we hung the moon. If we could measure up to just a fraction of that, our world would be a better place.

   We love you Charlotte. You were a good dog. And you earned that title.