My husband Mike waved a stick in my face, pulling my attention back to the very important task at hand. As I looked up, I saw our dog Bagel's 1 commanding to make the next move.
From our first encounter, Bagel's stare has said everything that she could not 2 out. Twelve years after 3 Bagel, we understood each other better than ever. This summer we decided to 4 the occasion with a road trip.
We 5 ourselves on a Vancouver Island beach, more than 1,500 miles from our 6 in Northern Colorado. Maximum 7 required the whole family's involvement and participation. Bagel reminded me as she waited for me to 8 our game of fetch. Holding my eyes with hers, she threw her head back and sent her 9 directly to me: "Hey lady, you're supposed to be 10 too. It's your turn!” I took the 11 from Mike and as far as I could, 12 it into the water. Within seconds she 13 dropping the stick at my feet with a bark, "14! "
As I watched my aging dog walk around like a puppy, I knew we had made our decision 15 but when we planned this 16 we realized that it could be one of her last. For the last couple of years, old age had finally begun to 17 energy and strength.
As she ages, it is becoming increasingly difficult to 18 the fact that Mike and I will almost 19 outlive her. And consequently, it feels more important than ever that we should celebrate, rather than 20 the limited time we have left.
