This blog is probably going to be one of the hardest one that I will ever publish.

As some of you may already know, my dog of 16 years passed away a little bit before noon on Tuesday. Her life is a complete miracle. She was diagnosed with a tumor in January of 2008 and was only given at the most six months to live. Needless to say, she lived much longer than that! Hallelujah!

Her name is Dixie. We found her in our yard at the end of the summer of 1993. She is the sweetest puppy you will ever meet. She had a wonderful personality. I know that I could count on her being there after a hard and stressful day.

Her body had developed (what I could consider) a very bad case of arthritis, which inhibited her from walking as well as she used to. She could get up and going, but sometimes she would fall and get stuck which then would require assistance to get up. Her sister, Shadow was very good at reporting that Dixie needed help. It is great how dogs communicate for one another.

Dixie had a rough day on Monday. My mother was telling me that she had started giving a yelp every now and again, which my parents rendered as she could not get comfortable. My mom and dad spent a lot of time with her on Monday night, until she settled down and went to sleep about 12:30am.

The next morning, Dixie continued her yelping. My parents were both very upset at this point. Before my dad went to work on Tuesday, they had discussed what they were going to do for her. My mom spent most of the morning sitting by her side, petting her and just spending time with her. My mom knew that she was not feeling well.

About 11:50am on Tuesday, Dixie took her last breath here with us. Her body was tired after 16 glorious years blessing our lives everyday. Soon after, my mom called my dad and he came home from work immediately. Dad, bless his heart, spent the afternoon in the backyard digging a hole to place her in to rest. They placed her in there with her bed and some rugs that Dixie had around her bed for her comfort. I do not know how they pulled it off, I would have been a complete basket-case if I was there.

Life is a blessing. At the same time, it is a vapor. One minute, someone you love is her, and the next they are gone...at peace. Away from the pains, frustrations and difficulties that this world brings.

I already do and will continue to miss Dixie a lot, as I know that my family is as well. She was a great puppy. We have great memories. She is at rest now. Not suffering or anything. She lived a good life and I am very glad that we got to share the moments we did together. She went to rest on her own. It was not medicated...

Mommy, Daddy and Diana...This is tough for all of us. But I want to thank you for your commitment to her. You are wonderful. I couldn't have even asked for a better family to be a part of. You gave her the best life that was possible, always provided medications when needed and made her be as comfortable as possible while she was sick these last few years. I love you guys. Thank you for everything.

Dixie, I love you girl. I will always have a special place in my heart for you. We will see you again one day. I just know it. I hope you have a peaceful rest.

To GOD be the Glory,

-Ken

Labels: committment, Dixie, dogs, family, friendships, heaven, love, loyal, parents, peace, puppies, shadow, sorrow