Truffle

When we added you to our family 15 years ago, you filled an empty void in our lives and hearts after losing Petey. You are an amazing and unique fur baby. I have always wished that you could talk to me with human words because you have always had this introspective look on your face. But even though you can’t speak human, you’ve had no problem communicating with us. You have always been a vocal dog and I always knew you had thoughts and feelings about everything. We knew you were excited for dinner since you would bark and dance as it was prepared. As we prayed for your dinner, you barked and prayed with us. You and I had many conversations. Your little muffled sounds and arfs just confirmed you understood me and cared about me to reply. The mornings waking us up with your face in ours and those little muffles arfs and sneezes always has made me smile. Your gentle snorts as you would settle in to cuddle on the couch with me or when it was bedtime has always made me feel content and happy. My heart was smiling and we were calm. I’ve always said that you are a big dog in a little dogs body. You love chasing balls and I’m still convinced you knew the colors of them when I told you which one to bring back; you were always right. You love your “babies” and making them squeak. How happy it made you that after a grooming session that you would get a new baby to play with. Oh and how you love riding in the car and seeing all the sights. Just like sitting in front of the door watching for anything and everything. We had our routine down as I worked from home. We would come downstairs, go outside and then go into the office where I would open the shutters and have your bed there so you could be comfy watching outside. You are an amazing guard dog and always alerted us to possible intruders. Once you knew we were safe you would settle into the bed or your cuddle cup and just be content with a nap and keep me company. You are my shadow for sure; my little stalker and I love it so much. You keep track of all of us; either with opening one eye or popping your head up and watching our every move. You greeting me when I would come home was the highlight when I walked in the door. All was right in the world. You got jealous if Rolo or Beau was getting my attention and you made it known! You are so expressive and make us laugh endlessly with those funny looks over your shoulder as you would walk to your water bowl. We have seen many of your looks when you are outside and not wanting to come in; looking for squirrels or more often than not, the neighbors dog. We joked you were looking for your girlfriend, but then we found out it was a boy and it was even funnier.
Now, you aren’t able to do those things and you are so very tired. The world doesn’t seem right anymore. My heart is breaking and I know yours is too. I know you don’t want to leave us. We don’t want you to leave either. God put you into our lives to bring joy and love and you have done that over and over again. There is never enough time with those we love so much. You have fulfilled your mission. In Matthew, Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. God loves you and created you for his glory and ours and there are many Bible verses that affirm that’s.

In Isaiah it says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand”. Billy Graham said “God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there”. I believe this too and know that when it’s my time, you will be there to greet me again as you have been for the last 15 years.
My heart is breaking and the void you will leave is immense, but oh the joy, the love and the happiness I will have in my memory is even bigger and longer. Thank you for being you; my doggie soul mate. I love you beyond my life.