Ruthie's Goodbye

Ruthie's Goodbye
 
   “Ruthie, I want you to know how you took such great care of me. If I was down you picked me up with the expression of love in your big brown eyes. I felt needed by you and that gave me a sense of belonging. As long as you were around everything was great. Our goodbye here won’t be forever. You’re just going ahead to our new home.”
     “What do you mean I’m not going home with you? Just because I’m having trouble walking doesn’t mean it won’t get better. I can still stand up on my front legs. Just give me time to heal. I’ll be as spry as ever given a few weeks of recovery from my spells.”
     “Ruthie where you are going you’ll have a brand new body. You’ll be hopping around like a bunny on legs strong as ever. And grass will be everywhere. You’ll feel like rolling in it once more. Your Mom will be there, both your human and your Boston Terrier. You’ll be in dog heaven.”
      “Heaven is where dead people go. Are you saying I’m going to be deceased soon?”
     “Ruthie the doctor said your kidneys have failed. Why wallow in a broken body when you can start fresh just like when you were a puppy.”
     “I won’t stand for this. Don’t I have any say? Maybe my kidneys will get better. I’m not ready to leave the home we made together.”
     “Honey, our central AC doesn’t work. Where you are going it will be cool all year round. Don’t knock it until you try it.”
     “There will be no turning back once I start on the road you’re proposing for me. Once I let go of this admittedly shabby body it will be gone forever. I’m putting my paw down. Give my life a chance. Miracle recoveries happen.”
     “Honey kidneys don’t regenerate. My kidneys are in poor condition. We’ll be together soon. Don’t bemoan your fate. We had a good life together in that house. We will continue it up there. This will only be a brief interruption of our companionship.”
     “Dammit, sorry for my cursing. You put me in the taxi of your choice and get me the hell out of here.”
     “Just think of this as a car ride like when I used to drive. But you are behind the wheel. And the road leads to greener grass. But the best part is there are people waiting to see you. And your Mama will cook and serve you human food just like when she was with you in the house. And soon I’ll take my place at the table between you and her. We will dine like queens and kings. Supper will be a smorgasbord every evening. You’ll get new and exciting cuisine.”
     “I am satisfied with the dog food you serve. If it means dying, which I think is what you mean, then I want no part of it.”
     “Don’t think of it as death. It will be a rebirth such as in your wildest dreams you could never imagine. You’ll be transported into a place where you are fed the instant you get hungry. But you won’t gain too much weight. You will drink pure spring water bubbling from the ground instead of tap water from a bowl. It will be so cool and refreshing no water you’ve tasted on earth will even come close. And you will walk free wherever your heart chooses! No more harnesses or leashes. There will be no cars to dodge. You will experience freedom such as you’ve never had on this earth.”
     “John, you make a good sales pitch. But I’m scared. I’ve never passed away before.”
     “Ruthie, the best part is that you get to return to earth after a stay in heaven. You may come back as a human. Being a dog is a great life. But imagine yourself learning the alphabet and arithmetic.”
     “I beg your pardon I do just fine as a canine. But maybe you can be my pet then. Wouldn’t that be interesting?”
     “That’s not funny.”
     “I know. Hold me and never let me go.”