My sister and I spent years begging, pleading and praying for a dog. And when I was 16 years old, my dad finally relented and Piper was welcomed into our home. She brought with her much joy and laughter. I remember thinking many times, "What did we ever do without a dog? How did we spend our time if we weren't gathered laughing around a dog?"
I was not with my family to say good-bye to Piper, so I thought I'd write about a few of my favorite memories of her, as a way to say good-bye.
When Piper was very young, she went on a hunting trip. She had not seemed to be gun-shy, so when she bolted after the very first shot of the morning, everyone was shocked. After searching all day, my poor dad had to return home with no dog. They made plans to search again in the morning. A buddy of my dad's went out looking before my parents got there. He was just about to head back to meet up with my parents when he glanced in the rearview mirror of his truck. There was Piper! Running fast towards his truck...Followed by 2 coyotes! There was a joyful reunion when my parents arrived. Needless to say, Piper became a house dog for the remainder of her life!
Every morning as I was getting ready for school, Piper would come to my door and scratch to be let in. I'd open my door and she'd jump onto my bed for a snooze until I was ready to leave. Even after I went off to college, she'd scratch at my door every morning until my mom would let her in...she just had to make sure I really wasn't there.
One time we pretended Piper was an Amazing Circus Dog. Well, not really, but we did lay on our hands and knees at the end of the hallway, so she could take a running leap over us! I know for sure she jumped over 3 of us, I just can't remember if we all got down before she got bored. I think I was in college or maybe even married when we did this!
Lige likes to hear about how Piper jumped up and nipped 2 of the guys I dated before him right in the face! I should have heeded her warning that they were no good!
The night of our wedding, Piper ate all our left-over wedding mints. She was puking pink, yet minty fresh, all the next day!
I know this is not the best picture of Piper, but it does perhaps best capture her presence in our family. It looks as if she's sitting at a place set specifically for her! She was more than a pet, she was a member of our family. The void she'll leave will indeed feel like an empty chair at our table. I will miss her soft fur...so much softer than Maggie's. I will miss her warm body snuggled so close when you're sitting or laying on the couch. There were many times when I was sick or just broken-hearted, and her warmth, nestled into me, was a comfort and a peace.My girls have felt this loss, too. Telling them and watching their reactions was an anguish all it's own. But what I've learned from them, is that grief, no matter how painful, does not last forever. God has given an order to grief, I'm sure you've all heard: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Amana and Anlynn swam their way through all five in about an hour and a half. The shocked crying, the questions, the offering of alternative solutions (Amana asked if our vet friend Dr. Donovan could help), the cries begging "Piper, don't gooooo", and finally a resolve: they marched in, without a tear, announcing they were making cards for Nanny and Grandpa. Watching them handle this grief in such a healthy way, gives me hope and comfort that the rest of us will get there too. God is close to the broken-hearted. He is the Great Comforter, who is there to comfort even the brokenheart of a dog owner.
I love you, Piper.
I will miss you, Girl. Thank you for being a good and faithful friend.
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