Dexter

Today I lost one of my best friends. 

We got Dexter when he was a puppy. It was 2007. We had just bought a house after Hurricane Rita, and we were all making a new start. 

I remember the night we brought him home, he was so tiny. We bought him the smallest collar we could, and we still had to punch extra holes in it so it would fit him. He couldn't make it up or down the stairs of the house, they were too big. 

He was always a very playful dog. Tennis balls were his favorite. There were a few points that there were so many in the yard that it looked like an Easter egg hunt. He'd sit and wait anxiously for the ball to be thrown and he'd run full force after it, sliding in the leaves.

He was so loving. We had apprehensions about that since he obviously had Rottweiler in him; but you would never meet a dog with a sweeter disposition. When I'd go to the gate to the back yard, he'd put his front paws up on it so I could pet him, and as I would he'd put his paws around my arm, like he was giving me a hug.

When I'd go into the yard and sit on the ground, he'd always sit in my lap. He thought he was still tiny, so when he got too big for all of him to fit, he'd get so frustrated trying to keep all of his legs in my lap.

Dexter was the sweetest dog I've ever known, and today he's gone to play with all the tennis balls up in heaven. 

I can't begin to explain how hard it is to look in the yard and not see him there..to drive up and not see him waiting at the gate with his tail wagging, or walking around chasing a ball or digging holes.

So today, what made my day better wasn't just today. It's the difference that Dexter has made in my life for the past 5 years. It feels like there's a hole in my heart because he's gone, but I know once the pain has subsided, that hole will be filled with the love I had for him. Each day, it'll get a little easier. I just have to keep telling myself that. 

I don't know why God chose to take him so soon. He was still a baby. But I like to think it's because there was someone up in Heaven that God needed Dexter to love. And whoever it may be is very lucky to have such a sweetheart.

To anyone that has a pet, love them. Cherish them with everything you have. God gave us pets for a reason, and anyone that's had the opportunity to be loved on by one understands exactly what that is. 

I'll miss you Dexter. I love you so much.