Welcome to my blog where I share my book reviews
and life along the winding road

Sunday, August 31, 2014

RIP Rosco

After 14 years with us, at age 16, our sweet dog Rosco passed away on Thursday. Anyone who has had a beloved pet knows how heartbreaking this can be. Rosco arrived on our front porch one day after wandering the streets for months and decided this was where he was going to live.

I hadn't wanted another dog after already taking in my neighbor's dog that they no longer wanted and being a single parent was worried about the cost of pet food and vet fees. Everyone else felt differently. My son pointed out that Rosco played with him and could even play soccer. My neighbor said he could sleep on the back porch and wouldn't have to be an inside dog. She offered dog food. Then one of the attorneys where I worked (a dog lover) offered to give me his monthly contribution, that he usually sent to the animal shelter, to help me pay for vet fees. How could I refuse? Of course Rosco was soon sleeping in our living room on a comfy bed next to our other dog.

A dear friend sent me this lovely poem and I picture Rosco crossing the Rainbow Bridge where his friend Sandy is waiting for him.

Heaven's Doggy Door
My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand
The doctors said he was in pain
And it was hard for him to stand

The thoughts that scurried through my head
As I cradled him in my arms
Were of his younger, puppy years
And oh . . . his many charms

Today, there was no gently nudge
With an intense "I love you" gaze
Only a heart that's filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days

But an angel just appeared to me
And he said "You should cry no more,
God also loves our canine friends
He's installed a doggy door"

Jan Cooper 1995