Goodbye, Bear

Thirteen years ago, the Universe gifted us with this beautiful soul.

Yesterday, we had to give her back.

People who don’t like dogs still loved Bear. She was just that special.

She’d been slipping recently, a rollercoaster of great days, good days and bad days. Her heart and mind were still 100 percent “with it,” but her body had become too fragile. In a perfect world, she’d have drifted off peacefully on her own. But we don’t always get what we want.

Yesterday morning, after she got up and stumbled and bumbled her way into the backyard, Bear turned to the east, closed her eyes and just stood there quietly while the sun shone on her sweet face. She radiated peace. And that’s when I knew. She was done fighting. It was time.

Jon and I kept our promise to always love her, always take care of her, always do what was best for her. We were with her throughout the entire process. She quietly drifted off while I stroked her face and held her paw. It was a gift to be with her in those final moments.

Unconditional love is a beautiful, brutal thing.

Thank you to those who shared their love and prayers and healing thoughts over the past three months. Bear felt the love. As did we.

Thank you to the amazing Dr. Sally for walking this journey with us. She took extraordinary care of both our girls over the years. She has a remarkable gift, and we are so grateful for her presence in our lives.

I was Bear’s person, her favorite. She was my shadow and had 13 healthy years, more than most Goldens get.

I wrote this column after we adopted Bear. With every fiber of my being, I know we made the right decision then.

And we made the right decision now.