Officer Doodle

by Peggy Green
(Louisville, Kentucky)

Snixie came to me almost eleven years ago while I was mourning the loss of my Princess. He'd been found on a very busy street and appeared to have been abused and abandoned. I wasn't looking for a dog but through a series of happenstance we found and healed one another.

He had seemed to be thriving in the last few months back in his old neighborhood. We went for long walks everyday and he often came with me to work. He was there with me his last day, eating bits of everyone's lunch and sleeping under my desk.

I don't know what happened. My first indication that something was wrong was his behavior once we went to bed for the night. It was just different. I found him the next morning. He appeared to be sleeping even more deeply than usual. When I realized the horrid truth the sadness that washed over me seemed unbearable. It will be for a long time, but we were blessed to have shared our lives for the time we were given.

Officer Doodle was a nickname because he always seemed to inspect the perimeter to make sure all was safe in our world. I know he's safe in the world he's in now. I just miss him so very much. His presence fills every room in my home.

I love you, my Snixie, and will be with you again when the time is right.