Goodbye, My Dear Friend

Tonight, we very suddenly and unexpectedly lost our oldest dog, Scruffy.

Scruff came to live with us around Thanksgiving three years ago.  He was found wandering along the side of a busy road by one of my friends.  I have a bleeding heart and couldn't help but take him in.

He had the BEST time today.  It was gorgeous outside: 60 degrees and sunny.  He played and ran around the backyard.  He pawed at our shoulders, licked our hands, and blew his stinky breath in our faces.

My brother, the soon-to-be-priest, came in town from Chicago and stopped by on his way home.  Scruff and The Brother D had a bond that was unique.  They are both rebels with a huge heart.  Scruffy was so incredibly excited to see D.  He acted like a puppy.  He was happy.

Around bedtime, The Husband found Scruffy lying on the floor in our den.  We knew something was wrong, and sparing you details, it was decided that I would take him to the emergency vet.

An hour later, he suffered cardiac arrest and died.

My heart aches and the tears have yet to stop flowing, but I am finding solace in the fact that he had an incredible day today, he got to enjoy the snow last week, and he didn't suffer.  He went fast, and relatively painlessly.  He said his goodbyes.  And even though we didn't get to say ours, I still know that he knows he was loved, and he will be deeply missed.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama