Sunday, July 8, 2018

All Dogs Go To Heaven: A Tribute to a Beloved Dog

To Dear Remi Sue, Our Beloved Family Dog:

When you first came into my life as an adorable puppy, I didn't like you.
I was a sophomore in college, home for the summer. I had never had a pet, and I thought dogs were gross and sometimes scary.
I was less than thrilled with a furry little creature that chewed things, licked me and jumped on me on occasion. Even though you were pretty cute.
Flash forward several months and this girl, who didn't like dogs, is home for Christmas break and sharing the couch with you for the night. Never thought I'd be waking up face to to face with a dog, but you won me over, along with our entire neighborhood.
You were a good hunter, and companion. You were brave, full of energy and a lover of people, other dogs, and food.
There are too many great memories of you to share, but I would like to recall a few:

The time you were a puppy and you ran and jumped on my head while I was taking a nap.
The time you were deathly afraid of the water while we were camping, but you bravely jumped into a raft on shore, because you wanted to be with us and you knew you had to go into the water to get there.
 
The time I caught you running around in the neighbor's yard, playing with their dog on my way home from work, and quickly ushered you into the my car before they saw.

The time my brothers were chasing you around with Nerf Guns and you were so scared you leaped into my arms.

The time you ate all the Christmas cookies and earned the nickname "The Christmas Pig"
The time you got sprayed by a skunk and also earned the nickname "Skunk Dog"
The times you pulled me up the hill on our family walks.

The time you destroyed a stuffed duck (go beavers!)
 
Your love for chasing a good tennis ball and swimming in the creek.

Yes, you were a good dog.
You brought our family much joy, and with much joy came much pain when you left us.
I'm sorry that after I had my baby I didn't pay as much attention to you anymore.
I'm sorry that while I was figuring out how to be a mom I was stressed and grumpy with you.
You were always curious and gentle around babies.
I'm sorry I wasn't around to say goodbye to you.
If I had known the last time I saw you was going to be the last time, I would have given you a big hug, and pet you, and kicked the ball for you and shared some of my food with you.
Rest in Peace Remi Sue...Actually somehow doesn't seem fitting.
No matter what people may say, I believe all animals go to heaven.
All dogs go to heaven.
I hope you aren't resting right now Remi.
I hope you are running around in the grass right now.
I bet you've already tired Jesus out throwing the tennis ball for you.
Psalm 36:3 says:
"Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.
 You, Lord, preserve both people and animals."

Goodbye Remi Sue, I know I will see you again someday.
Remi Sue
April 2008-July 2018

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