Cheers to you, boo.

Today was a sad day on the fort; it was unanimous that it was time to put down our beloved thirteen-year-old pup, Tessa. Now I might sound biased, but she was the best damn dog I’ve ever met – always happy, energetic, loving, considerate, playful – better than most people you’d meet on the street. However, in the past eight months she began to decline and within the last month or so her health took a catalytic turn for the worse. Instead of allowing such a fabulous specimen to suffer, which she did not deserve, we put her to rest before it was too late. It’s been a long, reddish puffy-faced day.

Tessa was definitely my mother’s dog, but was gracious to everyone in the family. She loved a good tummy rub, had a certain spot in the backyard under the Copper Beech, was partial to mischievously digging holes, was fond of her dragon and teddy, was absolutely fascinated by snow and always took pleasure in stretching out on the sofa (a characteristic that grew on the family). Generally, I was in favor of her indiscretions, if not the sneaky culprit that beckoned it.

Everyone that met my Tessa agreed that she was one hell of a pooch. She was like that kind of person that would never pass judgment on you and easily start a conversation except in dog speak. She barked at the neighborhood hoodlums, but I’m sure if they were invited inside she would quickly dismiss any allegation. She gallantly strolled the perimeter of our home, clinging and clanging amongst the house with her wookie, bear-like paws. She was something special.

In the end, there was something peaceful about bringing her home from the vet after the procedure. She laid there, body still warm, and there was a calming silence. For the first time that afternoon, I stopped crying. We buried her in our backyard in a spot that had been longing for something; little did we know that it would be the sight of a future burial ground. Alarmed at first, I didn’t know that bringing her back home would make me feel so much better than leaving her there at the vet. We laid her to rest with her favorite toys and a few roses from the bouquet in the house. She deserved this funeral rite and now she will always be with us.

We love ya, boo.