Ziggy, 1997-2012

   Things are good here on the Other Side. I have all the tennis balls I want and somehow there is always someone to throw them or at least make them fly forward. Some of the humans here seem to have wings like birds and they are the ones that make the balls soar so I can bring them back. And they don’t quit until I do!

It seems like my pain is long ago and far away. Especially that last morning when I tried to get to my grandboy and just could not walk. I know he was upset, I saw the tears and heard his sobs but he stayed with me just as I would have done for him. So did Mom and my grandgirl. I had always been the caretaker, ever since my boy and his friend and Mom saw me alone in my kennel in the shelter.  All curled in on myself, nose to tail, watching the people pass me by as though I weren’t there. And for them I wasn’t. But Hunter picked me! And even though the Shelter people suggested I might not be the right choice since I been returned once and didn’t get along with other dogs he kept after Mom and she said OKAY and then I got to their house and he and his friend walked me with their other dog Taz and Taz was nice to me and after that I fit right in. And that’s when I knew my job was to look out for my humans. I always knew when Mom was upset and went right to her. And then there was the time we were walking in the early morning and it was dark and I sensed something up ahead in the woods by the road and stopped and was as still as I could be and stared into the dark up ahead.  Mom told me if I didn’t think we should keep going then we wouldn’t and I turned around and we went home. Something just smelled dangerous. I was her hero. But things change and that last morning they took care of me. They knew letting me go was for the best.

     Now I watch over them from up here. Still doing my job. And they are still loving me even though I am not there with them. Did I tell you I get all the treats and juicy bones I want here? And I have met some really great canine pals and I am not afraid of anything anymore.  Not other dogs, not thunder, not fire works and I feel great, too. Like a young pup!  Mom’s had great support from her friends and our family and Diva. So I can relax and enjoy this great place until we meet again. They tell me it happens but I have to patient.