Tears, Averted

Memory only slumbers—never dies. ~Thomas Paine, English-born American Founding Father and political activist

My soul-dog Dallas has been at the Rainbow Bridge for nearly three-and-a-half years now, and not a single day has passed that I haven’t thought of him.

Getting Monkey two years ago has been a help … but I guess it’s true what dog breeders are quick to point out: Dogs aren’t interchangeable.

One dog can’t replace another. One dog’s personality, quirks, appearance, habits, and so forth is completely different from another’s.

Even if they’re the same breed. Or same sex. Or same size.

Even if they have a similar “look.”

The other day, Monk had to go to the vet for a routine vaccination.

Dallas always submitted. Dignified. Resigned.

Not that he enjoyed getting poked with a needle, but he accepted it, trusting me and the vet.

Not Monkey.

Nope, he was spoiling for a fight. Yanking his arm away when the vet tech tried to hold him. Squirming and wriggling and spinning in circles. Giving me the side-eye for not intervening on his behalf.

Worst of all, the exam rooms were full, so since it wasn’t a “doctor visit,” they escorted us into the “Comfort Room.”

You know, the one where they ease ailing pets across the threshold to the Bridge.

Gulp.

I looked around at the pamphlets explaining the procedure. At the small wooden boxes displayed for the cremains. At the quotes on posters on the wall. At the plush sofa, pillows, and box of tissues.

And I found myself reliving March 2, 2020, all over again.

If not for Monk’s antics, I’d have broken down and sobbed uncontrollably.

Instead, I knelt down and focused on the poor, scared fur-baby who needed me.

And it wasn’t long before we both were smiling again.