I grieve for you

Spike, age 13.75
March 25, 2000 - Jan 2, 2014

We let him go yesterday. It was the saddest thing I've ever had to do. But that takes me immediately to a place of gratitude - my life has been so blessed and lucky that the saddest day of my adult life came at age 38 for a dog who had lived a full and happy life, 10.5 years with us.

A short list of what I'm thankful for, in honor of Beagle:

• I have a husband who not only gets why I am so sad, but also feels it deeply himself
• Our vet, Dr. E, who we only met a few weeks ago. So professional and compassionate. I wish we had met her when our guys were young.
• The three road trips we took with him: my solo trips to Vancouver and the Bay Area, and our family trip to Canada.
• We had some time to spoil him and say goodbye.
• The vast number of things that Beagle taught us: 
• patience (oh the patience he required!) 
• how to deal with gross things that need to be cleaned up
• how to live with someone who hears and understands what you're saying but just chooses not to do what you're asking 
• the best place for napping is the one with the soft blanket and pillows, rules be damned
• don't settle for kibble when there is lunchmeat available

Thank you for choosing us, little guy.