Best Dog in the Land

How does one say good-bye to an animal that is a member of his family? How does one grieve the departure of his dearest friend? Life is full of ceaseless change, occasionally only positive it seems. Also, dying happens to be a different struggle. Death is so atrocious in every respect. With death comes pain, heartache for the living and the good-bye is forever. Despair is the given.

Her big green eyes, oh so beautiful. A golden brownish face with a smile that lit up her hazel eyes. She was absolutely ravishing. Pink pig-like nose, inside her mouth, and her eyes were lined in pink too.

Duchess Pleasant Valley was her registered name, but I called her my Big Puppy Girl, Duchess Ann, Best Dog in the Land, Dutch, Dutch-e-pooh, and in all probability other names I have forgotten. She was the best dog in the land, exceedingly loyal and obedient.

Duchess's original master killed himself, so my son took the dog in. He had desired her when she was a newborn puppy, but my husband did not approve. So he observed her grow up by being at the neighbors day in and day out with her. He fell in love with her so when the neighbor friend died, my son was the one that ended up with the dog.

In fact, he maintained her at his girlfriend's house where he was most of the time. They broke up after the dog was there 2 years. He brought her back home to me and my husband because he still lived at home then. Needless to say, my hubby and I became her masters.

Duchess is a Labrador Retriever, the most loved dog in America. She was the most loved dog in my neighborhood too. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her or being with her instantly loved her. She was a loving, cuddling puppy that only grew bigger and older. That pup in her came out loud and clear.

Duchess took her last breath on August 18th, 2009. She fought long and hard to stay alive and be so loving and kindhearted to anyone who knew her. Duchess is the best dog that I have ever known. I love her as much, if not more than some people I know. She pushed herself to stay alive and share herself with my family and I. Finally she had to let go, and she did once I let go of her.

I have always made up little songs for my animals and kids both, so I had a special song-let, I call it, for Duchess and the family cat, Juju. They were the best of friends.

...Duchess and Juju, I love you two two
Juju and Duchess, I love you much-es!

Rest In Peace Duchess