Our stray Zack
by Mary Lynn
It is hard to believe that it has been since March 10, 2000 since I made that heart-wrenching trip to the vet with you for the last time. I still wonder how I made it home. You were such a great dog. I thank the people who abandoned you back in September 1987. I remember... the surgery you had to remove a tumor on your ear. I was so relieved things went well. When I went to pick you up I was in labor with my first child. She loved you so. I remember... the Christmas you jumped on the counter and broke my dish as you were retrieving the ham. I remember...the countless times you got out the front door and went exploring. We always went right away to get you. I remember...the trip to Virginia when we moved from Florida, you were afraid we would leave you. You were so cute in that u-haul. I remember...the first time you met my sister you peed on her brand new sneakers. I remember...The date we gave you as a birthday, April 17, 1986, that day has such special meaning. I remember...The way you would curl-up and sleep at the end of our bed. I remember...The day I went shopping, and when I came back to the travel-trailer we had been staying in my husband told me you had been sprayed by a skunk. Pee-you, we only learned later that tomato juice neutralizes the odor. I remember...When we brought home our other dog, Gracie, for the first time. You were always good to her. I only wish the feelings had been mutual. I remember...Your 13th birthday party. Celebrated with a couple of friends and their dogs. You even wore a hat. I remember...March 10,2000. You died in my arms peacefully. Thank-you for all the wonderful memories Zack, we loved you so. How empty our lives would have been without you.
Comments would be appreciated by the author, Mary Lynn