Copper.

I had to make a tough decision today.  I had to put my dog to sleep.  He has been with us for over ten years and the pain I am feeling will not heal for a while.

I was on a business trip for work when I got the call from my wife that my four-year-old son was on his way with his grandparents to look at a dog.  I was being asked if it was okay to get one, but only one answer would suffice.  I arrived home late from my flight and made my way from the airport to Corydon, arriving home after 10 pm.  As I entered the house the main floor bathroom door was shut but the light was peering from below the door.  I sat my bag down and slowly opened the door.  Staring back at me was a set of big brown eyes from a fluff ball on the floor.  I saw many wee-wee pads scattered about the floor, which I had imagined were neatly placed there at one time but now were an organized mess.  I was greeted by Copper, our new Australian Shepherd.

Copper like most dogs had his puppy stage and high energy stage but about the age of two, he slowed down and became not only the family friend to us but a great buddy to my son.  We lived in a wooded area at the end of a cul-de-sac that rarely saw cars other than the neighbors.  Our son had free reign to run and play wherever he liked and Copper was always there.  When our son went next door to visit other kids we always knew where he was because Copper sat in the yard watching in his direction, until he returned however long he was gone.

Copper was the gentlest dog we ever met.  He never met a stranger, or never met an animal he didn’t like.  He even went to meet a skunk one morning as we quickly discovered upon his return to the house.

Today we took him to put him down.  It is never an easy thing and deep down I think he knew what was going on.  He is no longer in pain and I know he is in Heaven rolling in the grass or snow and having a ball.  My heart truly aches for our other dog, my son and especially my wife.  I feel helpless because I wish I could take their pain away and I can’t.  As a father and husband, it is my JOB to protect them and I can do nothing.  I take great solace in knowing Copper is no longer suffering nor in pain, I just wish I could say the same for us.  I love you buddy and miss you, buddy.  One day we will meet again!

Until next time,

Tim