by Jim Nolan
Dear old Riley dog... a fluffy, eagar to please, teddy bear Cocker Spaniel was the family joy. Always happy and always willing to give a big hug. Never ever grumpy and with big soft eyes and floopy ears, how could you not help but love him.13 years of unconditional companionship with little regard for his own well being and only content when he made everyone within ear-shot smile and laugh.
As Riley aged his loving heart started to fail. Everything possible was done to prolong his life but the time came when it was time to say good bye. It was perhaps the hardest thing in my whole life to accept, but it had to be done. A stormy winter afternoon, after the vet had been called, my wife, our twin 6 year old daughters (Karen & Laura) and my 12 year old son (Adam) sobbed uncontrollably and hugged Riley good-bye as I carried him out to the final car ride. I tried to cover the tears streaming from my eyes as Riley lovingly yet painfully laid his head on my lap. As if to say... I understand. In an hour it was over and a deep sense of loss and emptyness set in.
I called my sister when I arrived back home. As a dog owner, she had already gone through this tramatic experience and suggested I log on to the internet and look up "The Rainbow Bridge". I did. The comforting thought that Riley was some place better eased my pain even though I knew better. I read the story to the family. Karen and Laura accepted the fact that Riley was waiting for them and that he was in a happier place until then. But, Karen, my blonde-haired, sensitive sweetie still cried.
Two mornings after Riley had gone, I found Karen sitting in Riley's old love seat staring out the front bay window, just like he used to.
She was sobbing in a muffled tone so as not to wake anyone else. I sat down beside her and put my arm around her shoulder. "What's the matter, sweetie"? I said. She looked at me and wiped away some tears and said. "Dad, it's just not fair." "What do you mean, Sweetie?" I said. " Well.... You'll get to see Riley before I will".
If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.
Jim Nolan
canexcel@storm.ca