Eulogy for Tipper

On January 29th, 2008 at approximately 1:45 on a clear, cold, Kansas afternoon, the best little dog and companion, my cherished Cairn Terrier, Tipper, was put to sleep.

Thankfully, I was with her till the very end and thusly am encouraged to know that she went to sleep and into unconsciousness with no pain and feeling my breath at her head and my voice in her ears. There was no struggle or pain and for that I thank God most humbly.

This had been coming for a long time as myself and others who loved her could see. Her limbs were giving out and she had lost her enthusiasm for riding in the car with me, preferring instead the comfort of the many pillows provided for her throughout our home.

In her Terrier heart, she remained a constant warrior and never whimpered or complained, but her tail had grown tired of wagging and her once vital personality and spark was tamed and slowed with time.

I have known for a long time this day was approaching, but waited for a sign to be sure that I was not hastening her last weeks and days. The sign came this morning when her golden fur became stained with blood making its way to the surface of a growth on her side.

Her appetite never showed signs of defeat and she enthusiastically received the home made food of chicken livers, brown rice, lentils and cooked mixed vegetables I made each week. Her dish rests now right where she left it after her morning meal, every tasty morsel devoured. It will remain there for a while, as will her pillows, toys and other things she loved while I come to terms with the sorrow of her passing.

I am glad that I could hold her until the stethoscope confirmed that she, indeed, had passed. I even heard her last great snore, a soothing sound to my ears at night that made me smile slightly before snuggling back to slumber.

My sweet, loving girl ... I shall never forget you and all you mean to me in this lifetime. I invite your spirit to linger in our home as long as you like before sliding quietly across the divide between this earthly plane and the promised life beyond.

I know you will wait in the good company of Skipper, Samantha, and Chelsea to greet me when my time comes. My prayer now becomes that my passing be as swift and peaceful as yours.

Thank you Heavenly Father, for the time we had together.