Dogs Never Die

After more than 15 years of love, joy, and laughter our puppy Tank crossed the rainbow bridge.  

Preparing for the transition, yesterday I took him for a short walk at a park that Lucky and Tank frequented together. Reminding Tank of Lucky and their years together before he passed 10 years ago, so he would be close in Tank’s memory. We then lit an acorn candle to release light and love.

Saying goodbye was hard, so many memories and adventures, so much love and connection, a vital member of our family for so many years.

On my way home from the vet a small rainbow appeared as I was entering our neighborhood.  Gives me goosebumps when I think about this sign from Tank… he safely crossed the rainbow bridge and is reunited with Lucky.  No longer in pain, but set free again.

I am at a loss for words, so thought I would share a passage I found comforting:

Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, very old, and their bones hurt. Of course, they don’t die. Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before they collapse into a heap on the floor, but that's who dogs are. They walk.

A walk with you is all there is. Their family, and the symphony of odor that the world is. A day of adventure in an hour. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place.

However, dogs get very, very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. When you think your dog has died, he has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, he is wagging his tail madly, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry. Who wouldn’t cry with a happy dog wagging his tail (or in our case a Tanky nub) in their chest. With the wag they say: “Thanks for a warm place to sleep next to your heart, the best place.”