I checked on her through the night and every time she saw me coming, her little tail would wag. I just sat and stroked her wishing to God that she could talk to me and tell me what she wanted. In the morning my husband got up and asked her if she wanted to go outside. She popped right up and walked out the door to do her business and we thought perhaps she would rally. She came back into the house, took two steps into the bedroom and collapsed. About a minute later she coughed as her poor little heart gave out.
C.S. Lewis said that if you love anything, even an animal, it will break your heart. He was right. My heart is breaking as I remember her in all her puppy days and her growing years when she brought such joy to our family. She used to let Alice dress her up in princess clothes, and all the grandkids laid on her or got on her back for a ride. She never complained. She was the most obedient dog I have ever had. All she ever wanted to do was please me. She sat by my feet at every meal and patiently waited for my empty plate to lick. We always joked that she sat like a little lady--with her legs crossed.
