Good-Bye Friend

Today, after a year of poor health my family and I decided to put our family dog of 16 years to sleep. Yesterday, he suffered what doctors think was a heart arrhythmia leading to a blood clot in his back legs leaving him unable to walk. Kirby loved to run, jump and play. Knowing that he would be unable to perform these activities lead my family to the decision to send him to heaven.

Kirby

I remember when we got Kirby. I was 12 and in 6th grade. My family and I went to the pet store on Highland Drive and found the most adorable tan cocker spaniel. It was love at first site for my dad, brother and me. My mom had her reservations. Like most kids do, my brother and I promised to feed him, walk him and pick up his poop in the backyard. Some how we convinced them and we brought our new puppy home. All of us agreed on the name, Kirby and it didn't take long for him to become a part of our family.

Kirby and Brother

Christmas Time with Dad

A Video For Brother while on his mission

Over the last 16 years we developed a bond that is unlike any bond between humans. It is hard to explain the love shared between a dog and a person. Unless, you experience it yourself you will never understand it. Dogs love you know matter what and always stand by you. They are loyal, loving and truly mans best friend.

Backyard Fun 

One of my favorite things to do with Kirby was sit in my parent's basement and play while watching jazz games. He would always lay like a frog on the cold tile next to my feet. He was a good friend. 

He loved the cold tile

Lately, I realized what an awesome dog Kirby was. As I adopted my own dog, I began to understand what friendship was. Every time, Oliver and I went to my parents Oliver would run downstairs and wait by the back door begging to go outside and play with his friend. I couldn't open the door fast enough. As soon as the door opened, Oliver ran out looking for Kirby. It didn't take long to find him. Kirby was a good big brother to Oliver, they would spend hours walking around the backyard Kirby always leading the way. If Kirby needed a nap, Oliver would sit at his side waiting for him to play again. It was heartwarming.  I'm really sad I never got a picture of them together.

My favorite nap place

On Sunday May 12, my family was sitting on our deck having a nice Mothers Day Brunch when I saw Kirby fall over, from either a seizure or passing out from his bad heart. It scared me because I knew Kirby was dying. I watched Oliver stand by his side. It was like he wanted his friend to know he was there protecting him. As Kirby started to moan, my dad ran to his side. As much as he tried to push Oliver away Olive refused to leave. I wish I would have known it was the last time they would play together. It will break my heart the next time Oliver and I go to visit my parents and he stands at the back door waiting to see his friend.

Kirby, you will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the great memories. Love Always, Sister