Caesar

Dearest Caesar, you never told us something was wrong with you. You didn't know it yourself, of course, because hemangiosarcoma is a stealthy disease that hides down deep until the pet -- mostly dogs -- is just days from death. Your last four days were dreadful for you as you tried to breathe. We thank you for making it up to our pillow before taking your last breath. Now you are gone and the emptiness in our home is equaled only by the emptiness in our hearts. So long, Caesar, our love. We'll be catching up with you one of these days, just this side of the Rainbow Bridge. We thank Homeward Bound too for their compassion and care. Cremating animals is a business but they are the funeral home for pets. From the person who came for Caesar the next morning, to Skye who delivered his ashes the following day, care was taken efficiently and with understanding. Caesar's ashes were scattered on the grave of my developmentally disabled brother, who also considered him "his" dog anyway. Now they are together forever and my prayer is that both are running and playing together in heaven.

--Jere & Connie Joiner