Best Friend

I asked my best Friend to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to you in times of sorrow and to be a reason for added joy in your life's happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause you unhappiness. Please remember that no dog ever had a happier life. It is time for me to say "Good-by." It will be a sorrow to leave you, but not a sorrow to die. We do not fear death as humans do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life.

What will become of me after death? Who knows! I would like to believe that I will be in a place where I am always young. Where I will someday be joined by companions I have known in life. Where I will romp in lovely fields with those who have gone before me. Where every hour is mealtime. Where in long evenings there are fireplaces with logs forever burning and I can curl up and remember the brave old days on earth and the love of special friends. There is much to expect, but peace, at least, is certain.

I have one last request. I ask you, for the love of me, to have other dogs. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have another dog! I would feel that once having known me, you could not live without a dog. I have never had a narrow spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good. Some dogs are better than others – like me, and I suggest another of my kind as my successor. She can hardly be as well bred, well mannered or as distinguished and beautiful as I am, but my Best Friend must not ask the impossible. She will do her best, I'm sure, and even in her inevitable defects, she will help keep my memory green. To her I bequeath my leash, bowls and dog brush. I leave her my place in the truck and house and yard which I loved so much, and I wish for her long rides with open windows.

One last word of farewell, Dear Friend…whenever you think of me, say to yourself with regret but also with happiness in your heart at the remembrance of my happy life with you, "She is the one whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep, I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.