WEEKLY COLUMN

Copyright (c) 2008. Todd A. Mercer. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright (c) 2009, Todd A. Mercer. All Rights Reserved

This week am I writing about grieving for a dog you had for 9 years and another for 6 weeks. How a heart doesn't have the capacity of time. Tidningen NARA

LUPA

Lupa, I am not ready to have you leave me.

I know it is selfish of me. I love you, and I am proud of you.

The Vet will come tomorrow, to help you on your final journey. But I am not at all ready. I know you are, and that you want peace now. I have to give you your peace that you are asking for, finally. But it is not what I want. I am heartbroken.

You were trapped in the horrible shelter. I wanted so badly to give you a longer time with love and freedom and comfort here with us. Maybe here in our love, now, you thought it has been a long time, and you want to continue your travel on your peaceful road to heaven.

Thank you, Lupa. For your time --- too short a time --- with us. Thank you for your love on this earth, this life. Rest easy. Your work here is done.

What is Honor?

Our recent trip to feed the dogs at an area shelter brought me face-to-face with this lovely lady (the one to the left).

Clearly old, slow moving, maybe hard of hearing. Possibly addled from the confusion and frustration of being incarcerated with 70 other yapping, barking, wailing dogs.

She very much reminded me of my own Tjojs: the heart still willing, but the body wearing out and that causing frustration and saddness.

I knew immediately that I wanted to provide this lady a proper final time on this earth.

My estimate is that in her current living conditions, or where the authorities will put her when she is taken from the current shelter, is less than 3 months. With luck, and love, we could possibly give her over 6 months, and a condition fitting for such a matriarch.

Current drama and the ongoing situation is complicating things to make this happen. Still, there is a chance, and we will work to make it happen.

Please keep "Lupa" and AWL in your Amore prayers.

Photos Copyright (C) 2008, Todd A. Mercer. All Rights Reserved.

Text Copyright (C) 2008, Mia Mattsson-Mercer. All Rights Reserved.