A letter from Floppie

My wonderful husband sent a letter that was supposed to be from our dog Floppie that passed ago a week ago today. It was so sweet that I had to share it.

Dear Mommy, Max and Dawne;

I just want you to know how happy I am to be in doggy heaven. It is great up here! My legs work fine, and I only go to the bathroom outdoors, just like I used to, before I got real old. My tumor is gone from my front leg, and I am whole again. Also, I can hear again! The other barking dogs here are all very friendly, and once in a while I even bark back at them. It feels real good to bark again.

The views are spectacular. I can see all the places we lived and all points in between. I watch to make sure you are alright. I can see the work going on in our back yard... it is shaping up and will stay beautiful now. At the end of my time there, I could not see the yard or anything very clearly. My mind is inquisitive again, too. I am sticking my nose in to all the new nooks and crannies here. Exploring used to be a big part of my life. Remember me tugging you in all directions on our walks, except for the last year or so. And I like being real mobile, nimble on all four feet, again. I want to thank the whole family for taking care of me for 5 great years (well, really, 4 great years---my last year of real advanced age was not so great, for me at least).

You may think you rescued me years ago after I was abandoned, but that is not quite right. You see, I selected you guys, not the other way around, because I knew you were a great family that would take really good care of me! That day you came to the animal shelter, I knew instantly that you wanted a quiet dog to cuddle with and relax in bed with. I never thought I would find another home as great as yours. I was a hairless dog, and looked bad, but Mommy you didn’t care. You love me anyway!!!!! And did you ever take really good care of me!! Really, really good as you would say. Especially you, Mommy. You were the one who usually put my food in my bowl, took care of my water, too. That is all I ever really needed. And you kept the bowls clean, because you knew that was important to me. You were my very best friend. Thanks. You were the best MOMMY EVER!!!!!!

You took me to the vet for my check ups, and fixed my paw when I hurt it. Even though you laughed at me, you knew how stupid I felt walking around with that lamp shade device on my head and you were able to comfort me through that difficult time. By the way, would you please throw out all the photos of me bumping into walls and chairs with that stupid thing on my head... it just does not keep with my manly personality.

But you, Mommy, meant the most to me because you did the most for me and we spent the most time together. You really favored me with so much care and love for 5 years. I know I was helpful to you when it was just the two of us at the end of our time, and how glad I am for that---just to be able to repay you a little bit for all that you did for me. How many piles of my poop did you pick up? How many thousands of times did you open or close a door to let me in or out? How many bazillion hairs did you sweep up? How many hours did you spend vacuuming? Thank you so, so, so much.

There is NO way I could possibly thank you enough for the help and joy you gave to me during our 5 years together. I was sorry I had to go when I did, but I was so old. I did not want to be sick any more. I had zero energy for that or any other activity either! It was definitely time. Like You said, I was having way more bad days than good, many more bad hours than good hours. I really was not happy at the end, and now I am happy again. Remember me with a smile on your face because that is the way I remember you and Daddy and Max and Dawne. I have a big smile on my face now. I get hamburgers (or steaks) any time I want. Plus I don’t have to hunt them down on the table, they are HANDED TO ME!!!!! (HA HA). My head is way out the window when I go riding around with my furry pals. There are no fences or leashes here. I go for walks often. Life is great again! It really was time for me to go, and I thank you for your help in making it dignified and easy.

I will be waiting for you beside the rainbow bridge so that we can cross it together when the time comes. I will be waiting for you to join me.

I love you, Mommy, and I am truly thankful for all that you did for me in the short time you had me. I could not have asked for more love or care from anyone.

Love always,

Floppie