The Decision

I just snuck out to the patio for a fresh cigar that I bought at the corner humidor today. I love going in to this shop. It's tiny and dank but feels so comfortable. The entire shop is a humidor so when I walk in the atmosphere hits me in the face. Heavy air keeping the bounty of cigars that line the walls fresh. I have become quite friendly with the shopkeeper, Marnie who recognizes me by my Coach bag that she envies. Every week when I come in for my 3 cigars she acknowledges it and then me. I understand her reverence as I too adore it. Marnie knows what I like and sets out picking 3 cigars for me, not to stout, always flavored and slim enough to be feminine but big enough for a hearty smoke when I sit down to write. Today was a typical visit. I'm testing her selection tonight of a rum flavored "Sweet Daddy" brand. I can recommend it. I "snuck out" from tending to my terminally ill dog that is showing signs of giving up. After work I babied him and talked to him trying to offer some comfort. He's in pain now and his eyes are pleading with me for relief. He's in a morphine induce sleep on my bedroom floor that I covered with a down comforter. As much as I love his vet and her compassion, I realize that it's in her best financial interest to keep offering treatments, and so she does. But I am going to have to dig deep and do the right thing on his behalf. I'll have to take solice in the fact that I will make the right decision for Paws. The further shattering of my already broken heart might just be more than I can bear.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour, those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly it begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, strong legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.