Spring of 1996, I had just bought and settled into a new home when I began searching for a dog in the Circleville Herald. The ad had lured me to a long gravel road just outside of town. It was a large newly built farm house with a few acres plush green land. The 30ish young woman described the litter and its parents as I was lead out to the barn. But before we could reach the entrance,
they came running.
You were the first to run to me from across the way….as if to say “ I’m the one you want”. You had the shape and hair of your mother the golden retriever, but as black as coal like your father the Labrador. You licked and chewed my hands….it was an immediate decision. With you in hand, I happily paid the 25 dollar price and headed back to the truck. The ride home was anxious. I held you on my shoulder, your head tucked under mine. Your name would be Jessi.
That was 14 years ago. Every age chart I read has a different age for you, but none of them can show the amount of joy you have given me over these years. Your hairs have turned to grey, your legs have succumbed to arthritis, your heart being pushed by a tumor and your bark has weakened to a yelp. The years have taken their toll. You have aged 2 years longer than others of your breed. I can only hope it was due to the joy you experienced being in my life.
Today, you closed your eyes for the last time……with your head tucked under mine…..
just the way you entered my world.
Jessi, …… your welcome home barks still echo in my head. Coming home just hasn’t been the same.