Nearly 10 years ago, we saw her for the first time. She was a tiny little thing, still so pink and new. We knew she was part of our family and a companion to our 6 month old Italian Greyhound male. We brought her home and the 2 instantly became best friends. She was Casey from the start. No other name was so fitting. Over the span of 9.5 years, she became a prominent member of our family. She mothered 3 litters. Leaving her legacy behind in the eyes of Riley(we own), Aggie, and Jasmine. We had just moved to a new house, only a month ago. Our 3 dogs, Casey, Romeo and Riley had an acre of property to run free. As they are older now, we thought it would be the ideal place for them to spend there last years. For Casey it came all too soon. I had gone out front to get the mail. Mistakenly, I left the front door open thinking the dogs were safe in the backyard. As I neared the house, a flash of grey ran so quickly I barely saw it. I called "Riley" thinking it was our male dog who loves to escape. I ran into the backyard to notify my husband so he could chase him down. Once there, I saw that Riley and Romeo were back there. It was Casey. She never runs like that. She is timid and would never have done that. It baffled me that it was she who got out. Seconds later, my husband heard something. Instinctively he knew. I could see it in his eyes. He told me to take the children away from the window. In a rush, he ran out to the front door. Shaking, I went to the window. There she lay in the street. I couldn't watch and guided the children to another room. I knew she was gone. My heart heaved and I trembled with the surreal feeling that only moments before she had been right here. My husband said she lifted her head to see him and he held her. He told her we loved her and cried as she took her last breath. She never made a sound, which is amazing for she would howl if you even clipped her toenails. She was in peace. We buried her in the dark of night. Clouds loomed overhead, but through them, one star shone bright. "Look, Casey's up there in God's castle" my 5 year old said through his tears. Today, I awake, hoping to hear her bark, whine, anything. I look into the yard hoping I'll see her running around. I look into the hopeful eyes of her best friend, Romeo and their son, Riley. They think I can bring her back. They hope I can. Every sound triggers them to jump up, ears held high. They expect that she'll come bounding into the yard like she always does. Our Casey girl. So full of life. She was amazing.
Looking back on that night, I still am puzzled by the way she ran out. At the time, I thought it seemed like someone familiar was calling her. She was running to someone. I didn't know she really was. Someone was calling her home. She was running for her freedom in the skies.
Wait for us, sweet Casey. I have no doubt you'll be the first to greet us at those pearly gates....