We are not going to let them down. We will live up to the gift we've been given.
Nine years ago, Harry dog joined our family after our old Sally girl lost the last of her siblings. Nine months later, Luigi joined our family. Sally was nine when Harry arrived, and with his caregiving, that big dog lived to 15.
Luigi had bad seizures all his life and Harry was always there for him. Harry would tell us when a seizure was happening and then stay by his boy until Luigi was back with us. When it took a while, Harry rested his head on Luigi. Luigi often lost his sight (and other senses) and Harry would be his guide dog. There were many times when Harry was ready to come back inside, but Luigi wasn't and so Harry stayed out. For his boy.
After Luigi died last month, Harry turned into an old dog before our eyes. A mass developed on his neck and grew quickly. His job was done. And he made sure his job was done. He made sure Luigi was taken care of before his own self. Luigi moved on. And now Harry has. They're back together, with Sally. The pack is back together.
The gift they gave was this: My wife and I have been having troubles. Outside stresses of life-- the usual stuff-- but troubles. Our hearts are now broken so wide open, with both our boys gone, being dogless for the first time in our 35+ years, that our troubles have been washed away by our tears. Our boys' last gift to us: each other. We won't let them down.
