SHANE: Rest in Peace

Shane had a good heart, even though not many people knew that about him. He started out life in a litter of abandoned puppies whose mother had died. Whoever dumped that mother dog and her newborn pups created a lifetime of fear for Shane. No matter how much Joan loved him and cared for him, he was always afraid. Right up to the end, no one could assure him or make him calm; no one could convince him that they wouldn’t do him harm.

But on some level, I guess he knew, because he felt safe on his bed, and he felt safe when the house was quiet. And, as for food—well—I never knew a dog who loved food more than Shane did. It’s best to remember how he loved riding in the car, his head resting on the seat back, staring out the rear window. People in cars behind us would wave at him. He might have felt their friendliness. I’m not sure. He also loved his long walks, and it was a sad day for him when we had to turn around and go home because he just couldn’t do it anymore.

I really hope there's a place for beautiful dogs to go when they're done with earth. Saki and I said our goodbyes in our own dog ways. For us, it's okay. We know for sure that dying is what happens. We accept that in ways that no human can accept it.

The house is empty, and a strange silence rises like a chill. Outside the night carries on as it always has.

Best wishes, Juno