My Pal

by Karen
(Michigan)

Penny was a nine year old Blue Tick Beagle. She was all "business" about chasing chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits out of our yard. Our neighbors would comment on the abundance of these critters in their yards! As we were getting ready for our daily walk, she spotted a squirrel and chased it out of our yard into the woods. When she realized she did not have her collar on to keep her in our yard, she was off! Most of the time I chased her, and as you know, beagles are hard to capture. The more you run after them, the faster they run. I knew she would come back...she always did.

But this time she smelled something really good and went a different direction and was hit by a car. What I don't understand is why the person did not stop. A very compassionate couple stopped and then came to tell me. I did not want to see her hit. This couple brought her home to me swaddled in her favorite pink blankets. She looked like she was sleeping and this is my last memory of her.

I cannot get over the guilt of not chasing her. She was my best friend and shadow. Each daily walk was like a Christmas morning to her. I miss her dearly. She was part of our family. It has been two weeks and I can't get over the feeling of loss. I didn't realize a dog could reach my heart and soul but she did.