Melissa's Good-Bye to Elwood

Jason usually does all the posting, but today is my turn. It was a hard decision to make, but we had to let Elwood go. Last summer's back injury was catching up to him again. He was also struggling to breath. I could not bear to watch him. A few rolls of the tennis ball, a walk to the corner, a trip down the stairs were all out of the question anymore. For a dog dedicated to running, retrieving, and goofing, this was clearly no fun. I realized it was time to say goodbye to the lipcurl, the licks to my hand, the water dripping from those lips two sizes to big, the socks in the yard, and the everyday goofiness that was Elwood. From the day we thought we were going to pick a puppy but instead he walked over and licked my hand as if to say he picked me; he never strayed from my side, he always jumped on the bed next to me, laid at my feet at the fire, and watched and waited at the back door for me to come home. He may have hunted with Jason, but he was my companion, and I will miss him terribly. Hug your dog for me tonight. Give them that extra toss of the tennis ball and remember that they picked you as much as you picked them. You owe it to them to do the right thing no matter how it makes you feel.