We know we were lucky to have her with us for 12 years -- but that was too short a time. She was the best dog we could hope for -- loving, trusting, loyal, and a "fierce" guard dog. She loved to bark at the delivery people as if to say, "This is my yard, my porch, get away!" She did a good job because they always did.

From the porch, she could observe the goings on in the neighborhood. She was nosy and wanted to know who the new dogs and people were who walked by. She would also find out more during her walks where she sniffed everything. A half block walk could take 20 minutes, but we didn't mind. Sniffing was how she monitored the happenings in the neighborhood.

At 4am on July 17, I took her for her last walk. It was quiet, just the sounds of insect, birds and the distant roar of the freeway. She would take a few steps then stop, look around to appreciate being there. That is something our Cin taught us -- to appreciate being in the moment. Not to take for granted small things like birdsong, rolling in the grass and a soft breeze on a summer's night.

Cin loved other dogs, except for puppies. I think this was due to an unfortunate run-in with 7 (yes seven) pug puppies who ambushed her. She didn't understand that she was bigger than those puppies and could have gotten them to behave with a quick nip or bark. That is probably because she was neve aggressive towards other dogs. She greeted each one with a wagging tail and expected the same in return -- which did not always happen.

Cin wasn't the smartest dog, but she was well trained and always tried. There were a few times when we tried to teach her a new trick that she wasn't getting. So, she would lie down. Because she knew that one. It made me laugh.
I wish I could laugh now. We miss her so much and the house is empty and incomplete. I know there will come a time when I can think of her without crying but not now. Now Chuck and I both have a Cinnamon shaped hole in our hearts.
When we came out of the vets, it was raining. We stood there with our faces upturned and let the rain mingle with our tears. It was as if the universe was crying for our Cin.

Even though we were with Cin at the end, it is still difficult to accept that we will never hear her nails clicking across the floor, or feel her breath on our fingers when she takes a treat, or see her eyes light up when we return home, or stroke her little velvet ears.

Cherish your time with your pet. It is too short. No one on their death bed ever said: "I wish I hadn't played with my dog so much."