Goodbye Old Friend

My sister and her family had to make an extremely hard decision today. Their sweet boy, Buddy, has been suffering with cancer and was in too much pain. This post is for them, too. Love you guys!

Dear Buddy,

Did you know I love you lots? I love how whenever Cynce planted a garden, you ate all the produce before it could be harvested (including whole pumpkins), I love the time Matty meant to give you a piece of pepperoni from his pizza and you decided you would eat the entire slice instead, I love the memory of the time Omid was sleeping on the deck chair and you climbed on top of him (all 120 lbs of you!) and wanted to nap too, I love how you got up to say hello to us - even on your worst days when you could hardly walk with hip pain; somehow you always managed a big grin.

I will miss you so much. You were the sweetest Lab I've ever known. Please say hi to Einstein and Dumpling for me. I will see you all on the other side. I will miss you lots!! Run free sweet boy!

Love,

Erin

Buddy 1996-2009

When I'm gone, release me, let me go...

you must not tie yourself to me with tears.

You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.

Grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

then let your grief be comforted by trust.

And when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a lick and a bark, "welcome home!"

- anonymous