MEMOIR ON MONDAY

Today I am taking a challenge from Two Writing Teachers and writing about a small moment. We have our kiddos do this all the time in writers workshop and I feel it is important for us as writing teachers and coaches to do the same work our students are doing.

It was a hot August day, but the weather didn't matter to me on this day. The sun was shining, but that didn't matter either. All I could think about was Biscuit. He had been in my life for 15 years and a big part of my life. I had him longer than I had been married, so he had been a primary male in our family. Being a shelter dog didn't matter to me, he was perfect.

He had been slowly losing control of many of the things I had always taken for granted. He couldn't get up to walk or go from one spot to another. He wouldn't eat, even when I brought him hamburgers from McDonalds and hand fed him. I knew the end was today and I had to face it.

Fortunately, our vet was a personal friend and knew what I was going through. We called him and he came to the house. Biscuit was laying in the front yard breathing slowly. I sat beside him and stroked his head. "It will be okay soon, boy," I sobbed. Dave, the vet, came over and petted him, too. DD, Todd, my mom and a neighbor were all there for the event. We were all sobbing.

It didn't take long, not really, but it seemed like forever. When it was over, I knew we had done the right thing. Dave even said we did. Still losing a best friend is always tough and this was no exception. We will always remember the special times with this big guy and carry his memory and stories with us. Still, losing a best friend is hard!

LUCY MARIE 3/96 TO 7/08

It is a sad day at our house. Murphy's best friend for all his life died yesterday. You may have seen her picture on Murphy's 12th birthday blog. She was four months older than Murphy. They had learned to walk with leashes together as Sarah and I would take them for two-mile walks every afternoon. People all over town knew them.

They had matching scarves and would greet people as we walked all over town. Each day we would take them to the neighbor's big yard to play. Lucy was the best frisbee player. She would catch it in mid air. Murphy always let her have it. He was more interested in chewing it than catching it.

We always called Lucy...Lucy Lover because that is exactly what she was. She would come up to you as you sat watching tv and push your hand up to pet her. She would want to crawl up on your lap if you would let her. She was always such a lady. She would prance as they walked. Murphy was the bold one wanting to be out front on the walks, but Lucy would quietly walk behind just taking her dainty time. We are so thankful we had Lucy in our lives and that she was Murphy's best girl. They were the perfect example of what a couple should be. They each knew the other's strengths and weaknesses. They could play together for hours or just sit side by side and be quiet. I really believe that God gave us dogs so we would understand unconditional love.

WE LOVE YOU, LUCY!!!

An Old Dog

An Old Dog

by Murphy Douglas

My days of romping are getting shorter.

I seem to be sleeping more these days.

Still new friends,

Old friends,

Or friendly people

Inspire me to

Wiggle,

Whine,

And try to jump to give them a kiss.

Time is now spent

Dreaming of catching that rabbit,

Instead of running to try to catch it.

My greatest pleasures are:

To follow my master,

To walk in tall weeds,

To roll in fresh cut grass

And to gobble any kind of treat available.

I'm an old dog,

But a loved dog!

Murphy will be 11 years old next month. He has been a Visiting Dog since he was two. He has his Canine Good Citizen title as well as his CD title. He loves to meet people and play with his girlfriend, Lucy. Murphy is loved by all the children in the neighborhood and loves them right back!