Bye Sweet Friend

The hardest part about watching an old friend die, is that we can’t do it for them. We can’t take the discomfort, even for a second. We can’t say, let me carry that for you.

Here’s to our sweet, crazy, wild and free Hallo. She loved chicken, both alive and dead, stalking squirrels, babies, a nice cold breeze, car rides and waiting patiently for someone to leave the front door open, so she could go for a jaunt, while the whole neighborhood chased her screaming.

These past few days we’ve been sad, but she hasn’t. As is typical, dogs seem to just accept these things.

Gatsby and Zelda have been sitting with us at her favorite window, opened wide, off and on a few days now. She sat nose to the screen this morning and napped listening to birds, and occasionally licking air, as if she would slobber my face if it were less effort.

Gatsby saw a dog walking by outside and as customary, started barking joyfully, happy to have a job. At that, Hallo lifted her head… she wanted to join in, but decided a nap seemed preferable. There was no sadness, or regret in her these last days. Let’s hope we can all be as wise.

So today, we raise a chicken leg, rather than a glass, in a toast to a great hunter and friend. I hope Red Chicken met you at the bridge with forgiveness and you Indy shows you where the treats are. Our home and garden won’t be the same without you, but the squirrels will be real glad.