Just keep your eyes on me by Tim Holder

Just keep your eyes on me

by Tim Holder

Chelsea was my weimaraner. I had her from the time she was 10 weeks old until her death in 1995. I moved a few times during the 14 years I had her and she was the one constant friend I had during that time. The one friend I could always count on to be there for me and with me. She never complained. She would wait patiently for me to come home and would just wag her tail until I came up and loved on her. I always hated going anywhere. I wanted to be home with her. She was just fun to be around. She made me laugh on a continual basis. In her 14th year, I knew she was starting to slow down. I began to try to prepare my heart for what I knew was just over the next hill. When I was younger, I worked for a veterinarian clinic. One time, a woman brought in an old Wiemaraner, about 16 years old. He was not able to use his hind legs. The doctor counselled the lady and the decision was to put him to sleep. One day I came home from work, and Chelsea wasn't able to use her back legs. I knew it was time. I carried her outside to use the bathroom. Then I brought her upstairs and laid her on my bed. I spent the whole night talking to her and rubbing her back and making her feel totally loved. The next morning, I took her to the vets office. The vet is a friend of mine and we graduated from high school together. He had been Chelsea's vet for many years. We talked about options, none of which were permanent. All would be temporary. I just asked him, "Mike, is it time?" He just nodded and said, in a whisper, "Yes." He told me he would give me a few minutes with Chelsea. He left the room. I looked down at my best friend. My heart was breaking and I was lost. I didn't know what to say or do. Then Chelsea, did what she had always done best. She comforted me. She sat up and, using her front legs, pulled herself forward till she was right in front of me. Then, she closed her eyes and with a sigh, leaned against my chest. She was letting me know that she understood. That it was okay. That she was ready. I grabbed her and held her and whispered my love to her. She looked up at me with eyes that were as bright as the day I first looked into them 14 years earlier. She reached up and licked me on the cheek, tasting the salt of my tears. Then Mike came in with the syringe. We laid Chelsea down. She looked over at me. I took her face in my hands, and nose to nose. I was one of the first things she laid eyes on when she came into this world and now I would be the last. Full circle. As it should be. I told her to keep her eyes firmly on me. "Don't look away for anything, my love. You have been the best friend a man could ever want. I will love you forever. I am honored that God chose me to be your friend. You have been the best gift in the world. You have made me so happy. I will always love you. Keep your eyes on me. I will see you again someday. I love you." She never took her eyes off me. I never really knew when she left this earth. All I know is that it's been several years since she left. And I've never stopped grieving her. I have 3 Jack Russell Terrorists now. I love them dearly. But, I can't wait to see Chelsea again. I know that she's curled up on the front porch of my mansion in heaven, waiting for me to come home. I just have a feeling that when I think of her, she knows it and wags her tail. Jesus, take good care of my baby till I get there. Whisper to her that I love her with all my heart and can't wait to hug her. Thank you!

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Tim Holde