by Bettye Lewis
SAFE IN MY ARMS
Our beautiful, intelligent and faithful Nubbin was born of a chow mother and a retriever father. He was red in color, and golden in heart. We knew from the time he was a puppy he had a heart condition. Each day for 14 and a half years we medicated his food, and he lived an almost-normal life, with the exception of a few illnesses.
He became very ill at age 14 1/2. He lost his vigor but was still as lovable as ever. He became weaker each day. Each day I would go home for lunch at precisely 12:15, and gather him into my arms to give him a daily dose of love. On the day he died, I came home at 12:15. He was waiting by the front door. When I walked in, he looked at me as if to say, "It is time." I swept him into my arms and loved him into eternity. It was as though he was waiting for 12:15 because he knew I would be home and he would be safe in my arms. He died within moments. My arms still ache for him. He left beautiful memories which will remain with me forever.
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