To Phoenix and Peanut...

Dear Puppies,
I just wanted to let you know that the Davidson family loves and misses you. I never understood why people would be so upset about the loss of a pet. I mean, they're just dogs (cats, fish, hamsters, etc.) but unfortunately I understand now. I knew you wouldn't be around forever (though sometimes it seemed like it would be) but I never imagined you would be gone so soon. Too soon. Like "I feel cheated" soon.

Peanut, I'm sorry I didn't stick around to say good-bye. I thought it would be easier. It wasn't.

Phoenix, I'm sorry I did stick around to say goodbye. I thought it would be better. It wasn't.

There was no good way.

The vet had me sign a paper saying I understood that once it  was done, it could not be indone. I kind of laughed when she said it but she said I would be suprised how many people wanted to take it back. Once again, I understood. All the way home and for two days, I wished I could take it back. It just wasn't fair to any of us.

I thought we were all doing okay when I took the kids to the Petsmart. We were all missing you two so I thought it would help if we just went to see. It always seems like a good idea at the time. We were doing fine until we saw a black lab with the same white patch on her chest as Phoenix. Then we couldn't get out of there fast enough.

One day we want another dog, not to replace you, but because we feel cheated. As annoying as you two sometimes were, we were in it for the long haul but we didn't even have you for a year. What's worse is neither of you made it to a year either.

Eeny is sure that all lost pets will return at the resurrection and Phoenix and Peanut will be at the front of the line. I hope so.

I'll be waiting.