Our six-year-old miniature poodle had to be put down on my birthday this month. It was a difficult decision for us but he was suffering from a collapse of his system that baffled the vet at the special animal hospital. (I could describe his conditions in detail, as well as the mysterious parts, but not here at the Admiring Blog!)
Jack was truly a unique fellow, who did a crab-walk dance to greet us (James Herriot wrote about a dog of his that also did this unusual routine). Jack also enjoyed taking his time walking around the garden smelling the flowers and bushes (not just for other dogs' markings, it seemed). His sensibilities were cat-like: he preferred to do things his way and moved his back away from our touch when he didn't want to be petted.
Our Jackie could have been a circus dog, and knew the word, jump, which he loved to do. He could catch a ball on the fly by leaping up to grab it. He was not perfect, but the when he was good he was very very good. He raced like the wind in agility, and won awards for obediance and showmanship, and (I just learned) he served as chief confidante and comforter for our youngest teen during hard times over the years.
My kids could not find me a birthday card that worked. They all talked about having a happy day. We did, however, get around to ordering a cake with extra pink flowers and no message a few days later. (and I got teary again thinking how Jack liked to smell flowers...)
Life is truly bitter-sweet. But we all agree we would do it all again - have Jack in our family - even with this heartache. And the morning after he was gone, a double rainbow appeared above our house briefly. My husband and I just happened to be outside at 6:00 a.m. for the few moments it was there before it dissolved. We thank the angels for comforting us with the symbol of God's love during this hard time.
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