All Dogs Go To Heaven

© shoutingforha

My sister and her hubby had to put their dear old dog, Sydney, to sleep today. He was thirteen. Their family is heartbroken, especially my brother-in-law. Sydney had been his loyal companion since he was just a puppy.

The Bean, as he was affectionately know, had been slowing down over the past few years. The hope was that he would make it until Summer. They wanted to take him swimming in the reservoir one more time. They wanted to watch him chase squirrels around their mountain property. They wanted to bury him in the backyard.

Sadly, the old fellow ran out of time. He was diagnosed with cancer and had stopped eating. They did the only thing they could... let their pet go. He will be cremated and his ashes set aside until the ground is thawed enough for a proper burial.

As the day approached, my sister and I talked about how Sydney's passing is bittersweet. While they are incredibly sad for their loss, they know that he lived a wonderful life. Truth be told, Sydney lived the best kind-of life that a dog can live... thirteen glorious years romping around his high country home in Colorado. What could be better?

The boy was upset because he will never see Sydney again. He said our visits to Colorado won't be the same without him. While we only saw the sweet dog a few times a year, he held a special place in the boy's heart.

My boy had always been afraid of dogs until the day we were introduced to my sister's fiance and his delightful pet. Sydney became his friend. I honestly don't know if the hubby would have ever suggested we get our dog, Brick, if it weren't for Sydney.

He was truly a wonderful dog.