The Things with the Stuff.

To my buddy…

Three years ago (more specifically, three years ago on July 21st), I apologize that I am a day late… now technically two due to posting issues… Regardless, I wanted to make a tribute as soon as possible. Three years ago an important family member, my best friend, Magic, our dog, had passed on. As he grew older his body began to fail him, and at the age of 14, he had reached his limit, and he knew it. He tried his best to move about, to go upstairs into my room when it was time for bed, but eventually he stayed on the first floor (but I don’t blame him- there was an Air Condition so it was more comfortable). I had even stayed downstairs with him one night.

Then that specific one morning, I woke up, came downstairs to see Magic and my mom on the back porch. One of the first things my mom told me was that he could not stand up at all, never mind walk. We immediately called my dad (at work), and my brother. We knew after countless visits to the vet that there was nothing more they could do and we couldn’t allow him to continue to live in pain. There was a silent understanding on what this next vet visit was going to entail. Magic seemed to know as well that his time had come.

I stayed close by him, and when it was time to leave I picked him up, placed him on his favorite blanket and brought him to the car and sat in the back with him. We was very calm.

My mom, brother, dad, and myself were at the vet. My sister was informed but could not be there since she was/ is living in Texas. We carried him into one of the rooms where we all gathered around the table with Magic on it (with his blanket). We had a short discussion with the vet, we had all decided that it was time and that he was to be cremated by a reputable organization. The vet left for a few minutes and during that time we patted him and talked to him. The vet came back with a shot and told us exactly what was going to happen. It only took a minute, and during that time we didn’t stop patting him. He closed his eyes, and that was it. I don’t think we could have asked for such a more peaceful passing.

Even as I write this, I can’t help but fight away the tears. I felt it was important to share that moment as difficult as it was, but also to share his moments in life. Though his body grew weak, his heart and spirit always stayed strong. Dogs are known for their limitless amount of unconditional love and will always be by your side, and he was no exception. Many people throughout the neighborhood knew who he was, even if I didn’t know who they were. He loved the water (and would keep cool in a kiddie pool that I used to use as I child), and he adored the snow. He would go outside dozens on times a day during the winter just so he could stick his face right into a pile of snow. When we were much younger, during winter nights, I would be in a sled holding onto his leash, my brother would run down the street, and Magic would chase after him, carrying me along in the sled. 
My brother, Magic, and I would also play hide and seek. One of would would hold Magic downstairs, and the other would run upstairs to hide. When the time was up, Magic would be let go and he would run upstairs searching the rooms. It would never take him long to find us. If we didn’t come out of the hiding spot after too long, he would bark for us to come out.

He even had spots in the house, specifically the downstairs hallway, where if he lay there, he would be able to see/ know which room we were in. Usually staying closest to me, and following me whenever I moved.

If I hurt myself, felt down, lonely, or perfectly happy, he would always be there and would give me a lick on the face, and always there to great me when I came home. My mom would always tell us that he knew when it about time for us to return home from school and would be anxious to see us. He would often lay next to us, and if he was not, I would go and lay next to him. My friends are very familiar with me laying on the floor. Anywhere on the floor for a prolong period of time. I have come to realize that this could be partially due to how often I spent time next to him. Even on the floor.

Last but not least, he loved walks. The simple mentioning of the word would make him get excited. He also love him rope to play tug-of-war, which one Christmas we bought him a new rope. He enjoyed that.

The picture (on the left) is my all time favorite pictures. This was our first photo together, just me and him, shortly after he entered our family. Because we loved it so much, we did our best many years later to recreate the photo (with minor differences). The physical photo had aged, but I scanned it to insure it would always be there.

His urn is buried in our backyard right by his favorite spot under a tree, along with his doggie bowl, rope, leash, and a letter I wrote for him, which I read before we covered the hole.

He is one of the reasons for my love of dogs, and wish to have another one day. But he will always be in memory.

I miss you old friend. Thank you for the times we shared.