MY LITTLE GIRL

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

Penelope was a sweet, gentle soul. For years after she joined us, she spent most of her time hiding behind various pieces of furniture because she was frightened of everything. Her Auntie Maureen, who loved her so much, helped her come out in the open to make friends with more people. 

Here, I couldn't put the foot rest down because Penelope
was hiding under it.

Penelope loved her human brother, her daddy (Sweet Cheeks), her Auntie Rebekah, and when Grandma (Carol) lived with us, she loved visiting Grandma in her room because if she stayed long enough, some Skinny Pop Pop Corn or Cheetos would come her way. 

She liked wearing jammies, jackets, or sweaters
when it was chilly.

A few years ago, she began limping. Dr. G. diagnosed her with arthritis. She took a joint supplement, and if necessary, a pain pill. I knew when she was in pain. I could see it in her big, brown eyes.

We had two prolonged cold spells this winter. The first one didn't bother her too much. After the second one, her arthritis seemed worse, so I responded accordingly with her meds. 

But then Penelope became much worse. She dragged a leg behind her at times. I hated taking her to Dr. G. He's very kind but leaving the house was terribly stressful for her. The dragging became worse, so I made the appointment.

Dr. G. needed to take x-rays. He left the room with Penelope and came back with sorrow on his face. He said he had never seen before what had happened to Penelope. Her right hip was fractured and her left hip was about to fracture. She had arthritis all along her spine. He couldn't do anything for her, and he was shocked. At her last wellness exam, she had been fine. All her blood values had been where they should be. Her arthritis was under control. She loved running and playing with Princess. 

I said, Put her down as quickly as you can. I don't want her to be in pain one second more.

He and the tech prepared. Penelope hid underneath me to the extent she could. I reached down and put my hand on her and spoke to her about what a good girl she was as she breathed her last. 

Princess was shocked when I returned without her best friend. We went through weeks of sorrow as Princess and I adjusted. Princess would lie on the floor with her chin on Penelope's bed. She wanted to go outside every few minutes. I knew she was searching for Penelope. 

Based on the information Dr. G. gave to me to look over when I wanted, she probably had some fast moving bone cancer. 

I'm sure Princess would like to have another dog friend, but we're not ready for that yet. For now, it's Princess and me taking care of each other.

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug