So, I woke up this morning...and I was having a good day. I had plenty of time to get ready for class, and then catch the bus. When I was on the bus, I got this text message from my sister that read "Have you talked to mom lately?" Immediately, I could tell that something was wrong. I responded, "No. Why?" She replied, "Madeline is really sick james :-( " For those of you who don't know, Madeline is my dog. I got her as a birthday present when I was six or seven. Immediately, I told my sister to tell me everything. She told me that last night (Sunday), she was bleeding and throwing up, and that she just wanted to stay in a pile of leaves in our front yard.
When I got off the bus, I called my mom and began asking her questions. She said she hadn't called me because she didn't want to upset me, which I can understand. But, I needed to know. My mom told me that when she got home, Madeline didn't want to come into the house. She further explained that she had found my dog by my dad's smokehouse, and that she seemed like she just wanted to be alone. Eventually, Madeline went inside and slept on the couch, which is where she normally sleeps. My mom stayed with her for a little bit, and then headed to bed. She told me that she was worried that she was going to wake up the next morning, and that Madeline was not going to wake up. I continued to ask my mom if they were going to take her to the vet. She told me that they were going to take her at 3, and that the only solution may be to put her down. Immediately, I began to tear up, and my voice was trembling as I continued to talk to my mom. She had to go, so I told her that I would call her after class.
All during class, I could hardly focus, knowing that Madeline, part of the family since I can remember, was dying. Time seemed to go by so slowly, and I just wanted class to end so I could call my mom back. Eventually, I got through class, which went really well...surprisingly.
As I was in the elevator, leaving the building I had just had class in, I called my mom back. As soon as she answered, I told her that I was calling to get an update. She told me that she, along with my dad and middle sister, had taken Madeline to the vet. They had decided to put her down. Immediately, I was silent, knowing that I was going to go home during Christmas break, and find that my dog and friend was not there. My mom said that she was so sorry and that she loved me. I told her that I loved her back, and hung up the phone.
To be honest, I don't think the reality has really set in yet. I am sure that it will hit me most when I go home for break, walk through the door, and expect to be greeted by Madeline. I loved her, and still love her, so much. She was a companion that always made you smile. She would greet you with a cheerful bark, peppy bounce, raised ears, and youthful jog. You always knew she was coming...you could hear her toenails hit the wood floor, as well as her rhythmic pattern making way up the stairs. I am going to miss her so much...I can't even express in words. I am happy to know that she is no longer suffering...she was such a strong dog. She would run with my mom all the time, and I believe that is what made her so strong.
To Madeline: Thank you for so many years of joy. You always made me smile. I love you SO MUCH. You will always have a place in my heart. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing out the best in me. I miss you so so much.
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