Rudy

Hey kids,
Daddy here. Christmas Eve 13 years ago, we were sitting around the old house with Grammy and Papa and just having a few laughs and talking. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Alex, all of three years old, Jake all of eight months old and I ran to the door. We open the door and there was no one there but there was a basket on the front porch holding the greatest Christmas present we've ever got, Rudy.

Alex freaked out and screamed,  "A DOG!!" I was completely at a loss for words, and so excited. I asked Alex what we should name him and he said Rudolph because Santa had delivered him. So I said how about we call him Rudy. For the last 13 years he's been a member of our family. Sometimes he frustrated us, sometimes he made us laugh but he was always ours.

Today, we had to say goodbye. I was hoping so much that he would live just a few years longer, but I knew this day would come eventually.

Thankfully, Papa was available to take him in. Mom always leaves first so she got to say goodbye first. Jake, Izzy, and I said our goodbyes when we left.

 And when Papa came over to take him in, Alex had his chance to say goodbye. I wish I could spare you guys from pain like this, but Rudy was in pain too. He doesn't hurt anymore. He gets to be with his family and a better place.

 I'm getting choked up writing this so I'm just going to say that he will be missed, sorely. He was a good boy. I love you guys,

Daddy