For Jean

Just cause she asked for it once:

She lived a full life. A nice life, and was loved by everyone who knew her.

She came into this world unexpectedly and for most of her youth, she was neglected. Ignored. After all, she wasn't really wanted and was very much in the way. Alone most of the time, and yes. Quite lonely.
When others would come around, she would become very excited want to have them near. Smiling and welcoming them, happy to have the company.

When we were told about her, we adopter her and gave her a new home. She smiled even wider, and settled right in, content in her new surroundings. She had a nice yard to run and play with her friends, head held high, her amber locks flowing in the breeze.

But one day, as she became older, we realized she was very sick. Of course we did all we could do, but her poor little heart just gave out. She collapsed and with those big eyes, looked at us as if to say "What's wrong with me? I don't understand." I sat on the floor next to her and she inched over and put her little head on my lap. I knew she was leaving us for good. There was nothing we could do.
The doctor told us there was nothing to be done, and she left us.

She lived a rich life and a happy life. We gave her the best life we knew how to give. I know this. I have no regrets. But every once in a while, I remember that scared look in her eyes, and hope I never have to see it again. And I remember how she tried to get up and couldn't, so she laid her head on "Daddy's" lap for comfort.

Yeah, sometimes I do miss that dog.