Where the Red Fern Grows

 

Dearest Skoopix, 

There has been a terrible twist of fate in our house this year.  Sandy was "circling the drain" for 2 years, but too stubborn to succumb.  Around April we started noticing you were slimming down,  you had just returned from a month with my dad, and we thought it was just the extra exercise. 

 

After a few months we realized you were getting very thin and we started the process of trying to figure out what was going on. Every morning you would wander out the back gate and go off on your own adventure.  Pretty soon, you stopped doing that, and we knew something was very wrong.  Every single test came back normal.  The only thing they could guess is stomach cancer. Damn Cancer.  It robs me of my mom and now you.  I wouldn't allow them to do the invasive procedures to confirm it and for that I am sorry but I didn't think it was fair to subject you to that. 

 Skoopix, you are the sweetest most loyal dog.  I wish I could clone you... I wish I could fix you, but you are losing your battle. You have not eaten for a few days and you are miserable.  

Even the deer have noticed the change in our house, and have been keeping a vigil for the last few days.

 Skoopi, I just don't know how we are going to live without you.  You are the sweetest dog, and you are my dog.  You follow me everywhere, and are very content being part of the family.   Shortly after we moved to Los Angeles, sensing my anxiety about sending the kids off to school, you decided to get a job.  Your job was to take the kids to school, and you did it well.  Every morning you sat by the car waiting to take the kids to school.  You rode in the back and made sure each one got there safely.  You would be right there by the car when it was time to pick up too.  It was uncanny that you knew the timing of pick ups, especially considering some days I was confused on the timing. 

 Skoopi you are the most obedient dog.  You never needed a leash on walks and you never jumped on people unlike Sandy.  You never attended obedience school, but you were the most well behaved dog I've ever met.  Some might say it was because your brain was too small, but Mr. Man is convinced it's because your heart is so big, you wouldn't ever want to disappoint.

Skoopi, you have been the most loyal companion and I wish I could clone you.  I would love to have a whole herd of dogs like you.  On my worst days you would come up and give me a little nudge to show me you care.  I loved that, you were very in tune with my mood. 

 I could always count on you Skoopi to watch over the kids.  With the exception of the last few weeks, you have been always keeping a watching eye over the children.  You love them and know that they are your responsibility.  You are the ultimate family dog, anxious to join in the fun.  

 Oh Skoopi, if I could somehow make this all go away, I would wave a magic wand in a heartbeat. I would give anything to heal you, and we tried Skoopi.

I don't know how our little family is going to go on with out you.  I know in my heart it is the right thing to do, you are so miserable. It's not fair to let you suffer.  When we brought you home 11 years ago, we had no idea you would and Sandy would go at the same time.   You and Sandy were bonded and never liked to be apart.  On vet days, you would both be kenneled together, Sandy would keep you calm and you kept Sandy out of trouble.  The two of you remind me of the book Where the Red Fern Grows.  I love you both so much, it is going to take a long time to heal from your passing.

 Skoopi, thank you for being the most loyal faithful friend.   I will miss you with all my heart, please watch over us.  Until we meet again my friend.