OUR LOVABLE OLD ZOE

Today is the day all pet-loving families don’t look forward to. We all have to do it…but it is so painful. For today…we had to let our lovable 13-year old Golden Retriever, Zoe, be put to sleep. My wife…my girls…my grandchildren…and I…have a little less happiness in our life today.


Zoe has been a member of our family since 1998. Our daughters were teenagers when she got to the house. She has been with us every Christmas…every birthday…and every special event…since.

Three grandchildren have entered our lives and grown up with Zoe. They wrestled her…pulled her ears…laid on top of her…played ball and tug-of-war with her…and she was so patient…and loving with them…through it all.

For most of those 13 years…we had to learn how to spell certain words. During our conversations…we had to spell…G-O…or…O-U-T…or…W-A-L-K…because Zoe knew what those words meant…and she was at the door…ready to go with us. But this last year and months…she just raised her head from her spot on the floor…or raised an eyebrow as if to think about the words…and then just said with her body language…”you guys go ahead…I’ll wait here until you come back.”

Zoe grew to be our 115 pound lovable family member. Thirteen years is a long time for a dog that size to live…but we are so glad she did.

Now it is time for her to rest. We will miss her so.

  Dan