She is fidgeting with the tissue, crumbled, wet and torn, from her tears. How many tears have fallen since we left the house, for that matter how many tears have been shed in this past week? Far too many for me to count.
As I gaze into her kind eyes, I can see this choice is hard for her to make, but the choice has now been made. I hope she understands that her decision is for the best. I am tired and I am old. I no longer have the energy to support this used up body. I have had a great life, but she is having trouble letting me go. There is so much more she wants me to experience. I look into her soft, blue eyes. Eyes that have always been so happy, but are now full of sorrow. Silently I plead to her, just let me go. My brown eyes used to shine with playfulness and mischief, now they are sad; covered with the film of old age and cataracts. All that can be seen is my old age.

My bones ache and my muscles are sore. I can longer run. Oh sure, I get excited at the thought of a walk, but the truth is I can hardly make it to the end of the driveway. The highlight of my day is 5:00 p.m.. Somewhere, over time, it became an unspoken rule of being dinnertime. Now after all these year I expect dinner to be served at 5:00; it has become a family joke. I spend my days by the fire, with just my memories of a life I used to live. Now I just wait patiently for my time to come. Well, my time has come and I am so grateful for this life I have held so dear.

She smiles at me one last time and kisses my head, her tears are gently rolling down her cheeks as we say good bye. I can feel myself letting go. My body feels like it is floating, my vision is starting to blur. The pain I have felt in the past is leaving my body. I can feel the sun shining on my black coat, melting all the pain away. I hear the squeals of laughter coming from happy children. I am following the sounds. Faster and lighter, my gait improves. I am now running. I am no longer hindered by this old body that I have been trapped in. I am free. I am a puppy again, jumping and running through a soft grassy meadow filled with children.

I stop, just for a moment and I see she isn't following me. I woof, one more time to let her know when she is ready, I will be here. When your time comes; yes Carol, me and all my new friends will be here waiting for you.