Marty "Such a good dog"

by Gary
(Virginia)

It has been two weeks since I said goodbye to the best dog, Marty. I adopted Marty from the local SPCA on August 9, 1997. I remember bringing him home in a cat carrier because he weighed less than 12 pounds. That was the last time he was placed in a cat carrier. I'm pretty sure it made it nauseous.

My vet took great care of him for over 13 years. He pulled him through a serious case of heart worm, and charged me very little because Marty was adopted from the SPCA. My parents took care of the dog when I attended conferences for work or went on vacation. Marty never stayed in a kennel because his grandparents were always willing to keep him for me.

Marty was a very healthy dog until his checkup in June 2009. His heart murmur and kidney problems were starting to affect him. For the next 18 months, I kept a closer eye on him and made many accommodations as he aged. He was able get around pretty well, but the last few weeks were hard on both of us. I knew on December 9, 2010 that I had to make the right decision. Somehow, I had the strength to see him through his last visit to the vet.

My last words to Marty were "you were such a good dog". Marty is buried in my parents' backyard. At home, I have been very lonely without my special dog. I have relied on close friends to listen to me talk and talk and talk about Marty. I am off work for several days due to Christmas break. It is a struggle every day, but I think I am beginning to accept my new reality. I will adopt another dog, but it is too soon. For now, I am making a photo album of all of his pictures over the last 13 years.

I cry everyday, but I would not change a thing about our time together. Thank you, Marty, for 13 wonderful years. You were a joy, and my life was better thanks to you.