It will be different

This winter we lost our family dog, Sparky. He wasn't just a family dog, he was our baby. My husband got him as a Christmas gift for me our 1st Christmas. He has lived with us through sad times & happy times. No matter what the day was like, when we came home, he was always happy to see us. Our 2nd dog, Bear came into the family when Sparky was 4 years old. The two "boys" were such a joy to see pal around. They loved to run in the yard, they loved to sit in the sun together and would cuddle on the doggie bed. Then 3 years ago, we brought our little girl (white boxer) in the family. She was a fire season surprise but has also brought much joy into our lives. We lost Sparky in April and it happened so quickly and was very sad. He was running around 3 days prior to his death, no signs of anything other than old age (he was 12 years old). Things progressed quickly and thankfully my husband was home and took Sparky to the vet. We ended up in a pet hospital with him very ill. I sat by his side and petted him until the time came for him to have a sonogram. They found cancer in most of his body. It was not what you want to hear, when you have a pet you love so much. After talking with the vet, it became obvious that he was in much pain and we'd need to do the inevitable. My husband had seen other animals put to sleep, so he knew what would happen. The vet explained to me what would happen to our baby. She encouraged us to sit with him and touch him so he knew we were there. I laid my head on him and was obviously very upset (many tears, it hurt so bad), and shortly after I laid my head on him, he took his final breath. Our dear "child" pet had left this earth. I walked out quickly with my husband, who was holding me tight. I was so thankful that he was there and it felt good to cry into his arms. That night we reminisced all the memories we had of him. We kept seeing his favorite places to lay, his toys, his dog hairs on the blanket where he laid the night before on our bed.


His collar is hanging on a shelf in our house. I put his food bowl away, and we have a picture of him on the fridge. We will be laying his ashes to rest at my parents home (where he loved to visit). Mommy & Daddy loves you Sparky! May you enjoy the green grassy fields in heaven. Run and play. We will see you again someday.


This fire season it will be different though. The other 2 dogs, are faithful and such a special part of our family. Each dog is so unique!! Sparky did something that will be missed very much. From the time he was a small pup, he'd lay by the front door in the evening. When he heard hubby's truck pull in the driveway he'd get so excited then he'd greet daddy at the door with licks and tail wags. I remember it like it was yesterday, what he looked like the first time when hubby didn't come home. It was summertime and of course he'd been sent on a fire. Sparky laid by the front door. I'd walk by and he'd look up at me with those big brown eyes, like he was saying "Where's dad?" It was so cute, yet so sad. How do you explain that to a pet? Each summer from that point on, he'd lay by the front door. He did that every summer, and I'll miss that this year. So I will snuggle with our other dogs and spoil them with hugs, kisses and vanilla ice cream (their favorite treat). But nonetheless, it will be different......

The last picture of him at the hospital