The saying is so cliché but the meaning is oh so true. I've experienced and I cherish these real feelings for my dog, Scooby. Feelings so real that it is so disheartening to not have you around anymore.
Born on the 4th of July, I remember picking you out from that litter of puppies my wife's dog, Fuji, had. Apparently a stray came over one night and left her with a surprise. Puppies were soon born and it was a shock to us all. Unfortunately there was no way we could manage to care for the entire bunch. But something told me that day to pick you up and keep you for my own. I was still in college and had no clue or plans on how to do that and frankly, I didn't care. All I knew was that I'd do everything I could to save you and give you a life your brothers and sisters may not get the chance to have. I then named you Scooby, just for the novelty, but really it was more so I could be your Shaggy.
And so it begins...
I gave my notice to leave the comfortable apartment I was living in to find one that allows pets. Got lucky and found a spot near a dog park and beach. It was a wonderful time and you grew up so fast. No longer were you this tiny baby but you had grown into a spunky, energetic ball of fun. However, you were almost too wild, it was tough to keep you in control. So I ended up paying for dog training classes. You knew all the tricks and impressed all my friends. I even tried to teach ya to grab me a beer from the fridge....but you didn't fall for that.
That's a good boy. :)
I miss those times. You were the one thing I looked forward to when I got out of my classes. You didn't care about my grades or how my day went at work. You only cared to hang out with me when I took you for walks, let you play at the beach or park, or just chill while watching some TV. You started off as my pup and then grew up into much more than that. You filled that void when the homies weren't around and you were like my bro since mine was thousands of miles away pursuing a life of his own.
You were the glue that held Donna and I together. You were like our first child. We did whatever we could for you and you were just as important as our 2 kids, Robyn and Rylen.But life changed. You were getting older and no longer able to stay in the home. You couldn't hang out with us as much and grew tired often. As time passed, you were more content to just sleep. Doctors said you were getting sick in your old age and I just didn't want to believe it. I was probably too selfish to let you go earlier. Plus, I didn't have the heart to do so.
In the end, we made a choice. One that we hoped we would never have to make. I wish you could tell us what's wrong. I wish we had a cure for your ills. I wish we were rich to provide you with the best care possible.
But now that you're gone, I just wish you were here. Come hang out with me and watch some cartoons. Or take a ride in my car so you could pop your head out the window to feel the breeze. We had some fun times, some memorable moments, and some awesome experiences that I will always hold dear.
Scooby, you were like my son, my brother, and my friend all rolled into one. It's very rewarding to have a companion like that and there's not enough words to describe how much you meant to me and my family. You became very protective and made sure any strangers knew you were there watching over us. I hope and pray you still continue to do so.
It's funny how a pet can make a major impact on your life and I'm not ashamed one bit to say I loved him. Thanks for the love in return and you were the best buddy one could ever ask for. You are the epitome of what it is to be,
"Man's best friend."
