Tears, regrets, and memories

Well it's been just over one week since I came home from work to my husband crying. I knew it had to be bad because I rarely see him emotional like that. He barely got the words out that Abby had been hit before I started sobbing. While he was working out in the yard, she had gotten into the road and was hit by a car. The person didn't even have the decency to let someone know. Morgan had to find out from his mom who saw her in the road on her way into the house. We were both devastated. Morgan especially, since she was his dream dog. He adored her! After the emotions calmed we talked about how lucky we were to have her as a part of our lives, even for a short time. She made us so happy and everyone in both of our families loved her. She had such a funny personality but was always more than willing to sit on my lap and comfort me after a rough day at work. I felt like she could tell when I was struggling. It's amazing how attached we can become to pets, how much they feel like a part of the family. I've never believed in coincidences; I always felt like everything happens for a reason. There was a reason it worked out at just the right time for us to move to a house in the country where we could finally have a dog, to find a breeder so close to home, and to find the money for a puppy all at the same time. Raising her brought Morgan and I together, and as sad as it was, so did losing her. We learned about each other, how we cope, and how we heal. My biggest regret was not spending as much time with her as I should have. Some days when I was running late, I rushed my time with her and would get frustrated when she didn't listen. When I'd get to work and find muddy paw prints all over my pants, I would be irritated. Now it makes me smile. I loved how when we got her out of her pen, she'd pee and run at the same time because she was so excited to be out and playing with us. I loved watching Morgan play with her in his parents yard, running around and being goofy. He's spin her around, let her climb all over him, laughing the whole time. I loved her puppy-breath "kisses" and the way she'd jump around Bobby (their cat), trying to get her to play. Bobby would swat at her, she'd back off for about two seconds, and then try it all over again. Even when she was naughty, she was still funny. The way she'd have a mouse or a shoe in her mouth, stop when you called her name, and then take off in the other direction because she knew she was in trouble. We have so many special memories with Abby and she'll always have a place in our hearts. Our experience with Abby made the closing quote from Marley and Me really hit home: "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?" We're so grateful for Abby and the joy she was in our lives.