Pets are ❤️

It was a sad day when my parents beloved Francie barked for the last time as the vet team came in and spared her any more suffering. She had been struggling with moving around for some time. Getting up to go outside had become more and more difficult. In the end, feces and urine were running out of her with no warning.

It was a sad day, sad for my parents, sad for all of us who knew her. Francie was a shepherd, large enough to be truly intimidating, fierce, alpha, and especially fond of my dad. She had been the protector of the house for 14 years and she took her job seriously.

If you have ever loved a pet and lost one, you know how much grief is packed into that experience. If you have never experienced the love of a pet, well, I guess I feel sorry for you. They brighten our lives in amazing ways.

Anyway, I hope my parents recover quickly. I know I still get teary every time I think of her, but in time, I’ll remember how she used to steal every toy, chase our Jethro to a waiting ambush, and welcomed Sweety like a long lost pup.

In the end, she barked at the vet as they came to the door. Always on alert, always vigilant.