Terry’s Letter:

I’m a little terrier mix. This is my story about my joyful years with the most wonderful humans in the whole wide world. Mom and dad, this letter is for you.

I miss you a lot, but where I’m at now is like no other place you could possibly wish me to be. There are mountains, lush fields of green grass and flowers, lakes and rivers, beautiful trees, and hundreds of dogs of all breeds - all with fond, loving memories of the humans they left behind.

I remember you adopted me when I was six years old and most likely saved me from a fate worse than death. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have eaten that little baby my previous owners suddenly brought home, but it surely was God’s plan to have you come along just when my life expectancy was looking rather grim.

I loved the freedom I had to come and go in my new home with my own little pet door. I didn’t like sharing it with the cats, but I wasn’t so dumb as to think I could have the right-of-way when one of them wanted in or out.

Between me and the cats, I don’t know how you ever put up with some of the trophies we surprised you with. The squirrels kept me so busy I had to leave most of the mice and birds, and an occasional snake, for the cats. You were a trooper mom, so brave and forgiving!

I liked riding in the car with you. I remember the time we went to pick Amanda up from school and we ran into that pickup truck. That was pretty scary! I recall you sitting on the side of the road, trying to be brave while holding me close to you, more concerned about me than you were about yelling at the man driving the truck that we hit. Sorry about the loss of your car mom, but we were all okay, and you got a new car that was fun to ride in.

I was sad when you sold our house and I learned we were moving to Washington State. What a long trip that was, but I remember feeling “special” because I didn’t have to ride in that big stinky trailer with four cats and a pigmy goat!! Riding with you and dad in the front seat of the truck probably saved the lives of the cats as well.

What a surprise when I discovered there were mice and voles on our property! It didn’t take them long to run for cover when they saw me coming. It wasn’t long before we were taking walks on the beach and the levy, and I got to meet lots of other dogs. I know I scared the begeezies out of you at times when I went after the big ones and you had to rescue me before they tore me to pieces. It wasn’t until after I had a few close calls that I learned to appreciate the efforts you made to see to it that I was kept safe.

Even after I got attacked by Aunt Bert’s German shepherd (my fault, as usual), and had to have most of my teeth pulled from the damage done to my mouth, you’d think I would have learned to back off. But I didn’t. I still instigated some near death fights with some pretty large breeds, never once giving thought to the fact that I had no teeth left. You were my guardian angel mom – always there to keep me safe.

As age began taking its toll on me I would hang back more and more during our walks, and hearing your voice became difficult. Then my legs started getting stiff and you had to walk slower so I could keep up with you. You were a trooper mom, and despite all my “handicaps” you never gave up on me. We continued our walks, and although I was slowing down I felt your presence and knew that you were always nearby.

Remember that day when I ventured off the levy trail and got lost? I was confused and scared because I couldn’t see or hear you. I don’t know how long I wondered in the woods, shivering from the cold, damp weather, but you found me and just about squeezed the poop out of me when you finally found me.

And remember the time I wandered out of sight while walking on the beach? I know you must have called me until you were hoarse, but by then I was totally deaf and could barely see. Then out of nowhere you appeared and snatched me up with those loving arms I had become so used to.

I knew, mom, when I started having little mini seizures, and you became ever more watchful of me, that my time with you was coming to an end. I seemed to be sleeping more and more as my quality of life just wasn’t what it used to be.

I will always remember you with loving thoughts mom. And any future pets that have you as parents will be the luckiest animals in the whole wide world!

I remain forever yours,

Terry