Young/Old

She was old and he young yet they are the same age. Thirteen is pretty old for a golden retriever. And she has had a good life. But sadly it ended yesterday. And our family was very sad to see her go, especially this young man. He has not known life without her. They were best of friends. My heart aches for both of them. We got Bell just over 13 years ago on a farm out in Molalla Or. She was a cute little red fur ball. Driving home we were throwing out names when I saw a sign that said jingle bells on it. I said how about Bell. The name stuck. Bell was always a patient and loving dog. So good with every kid that came her way. Even with crawling babies that were not always so gentle when loving and petting her. She love to play and wrestle with the boys including my hubby. She started slowing down three years ago. When taking her for a walk when she got tired she would just sit down and you would have to wait until she was ready to go again. Last winter she started having a hard time getting her hind legs under her. There were times when I would have to go out and help her get back up after she had squatted down. But spring came and she did fine. Then on Monday night she didn’t come when we called for her. Hubby found her stuck in the garden. He brought her in layed her by the heater. Where she stayed I tried to feed her all day yesterday; dog food, lunch meat, I even tried broth. She was not buying. A petted her the whole half hour I was gone picking up jr. high car pool, she didn’t even wag her tail. Hubby came at four to take her to the vet where she went peacefully to sleep never to wake again. N went outside he shoveled the snow that had been falling all day. Not only our walk but the neighbors all the way down the street. He said it relieved the stress he was feeling. DD thought we should have dog food for dinner in honor of Bell. We didn’t. Settled for a bedtime story of Go Dog Go. Which she laughed through since I had the hiccups while reading it to her. Glad her day ended on a happy note. Good Bye Bell! You were a wonderful dog. We love you always.