Gretchen

Mark’s parents lost their dog yesterday – to a hormonal problem that suddenly blinded her and would have caused more problems than would have been humane to expose her to. So Gretchen is gone and she leaves a big hole in the heart of anyone who knew her. She was quite a character; a lovable, funny, giving and caring ‘character.’ Friend, entertainer and exercise companion, she had a big place in their home and family.

She had a bazillion toys to play with and seemed to love every one. As with most dogs, ‘Enthusiasm’ should have been her middle name. A somewhat plump little Schnauzer with a beard, she was especially cute in her little sweater that had to go on before she went out in the winter. She was so patient and helpful about getting it on, despite her obvious excitement about going outside. And then the door would open and off she’d go, sure that there was a bunny or a bird or something invading HER yard that she needed to run off. Duties dispatched, she’d come bounding back in and jump up to her place on the sofa and wait to be covered up with a towel so she could get warm again. (Maybe it was Mark’s parents who were the ‘characters’ here?)

What joy we get from our pets. Why can’t they just live longer? How do we manage when they don't?