Last week, we had to let our pet of 16 years go.

That is, we made the tough decision to humanely discontinue her life.

Ruby had been a good dog, no, a great dog, and although it was time, letting a pet go was difficult.

For 15 years, Ruby had free reign over the house, but for the last year, she had been relegated to the kitchen.

Her bladder had become old and weak, and to prevent carpet stains, she had to stay on the tile floor.

And I have to admit, this made taking care of Ruby a chore.

Before her declining health, she had been such an easy dog. She would let you know when she needed to go outside and warn you if she heard anything suspicious.

Ruby was always at the door to greet you, and for a Jack Russell Terrier, she was not horribly hyper.

She liked to cuddle, and as a puppy, Ruby managed to somehow always find her way into a child’s bed.

I will never forget walking into my middle daughter’s bedroom one morning and seeing the little princess all sprawled out like she owned the place.

It was cute until I noticed she had cut her teeth on a quilt my paternal grandmother had made for me.

I was truly upset, but what was I to do with the innocent look she gave.

There were several more episodes like this through the years.

One evening, before guests were to arrive, she decided to snack on the carpet, which had raveled a hole right in front of the fireplace.

Why she couldn’t have picked a less conspicuous place to chew I will never know.

Thankfully, having a dad and brother as contractors eased the pain.

They called in a carpet guy who patched the spot up.

Then there is the furniture that Ruby loved.

Years of her sleeping on my light-colored chairs, let’s just say, took its toll.

Nevertheless, Ruby reigned.

Given to my son as a birthday present, I was not ecstatic about adding a dog to the family because I knew who would ultimately be taking care of her. Through the years I grew to love that little girl.

Ruby loved to snuggle, and she would sometimes come and sit right on top of you.

Then there were times she would wiggle in between you and the arm of the chair, forcing you to move over and make plenty of room for her.

Before her bladder gave way, Ruby’s bed was located in the room with hubby and me.

Generally, she didn’t make a peep at night, but as she began to grow older, she took up snoring.

As if hubby’s sounds were not enough to keep a girl awake.

I will miss Ruby. Although, I have to admit, taking care of her this last year was truly a burden.

So when the vet said it was time, I was ready to let her go.

Hubby has had a much harder time, and it has made me sad for him. Fortunately, friends have been kind, and along with a note from Dr. Potter, the veterinarian, hubby had a work colleague send a note of condolence.

And this past Wednesday, I received a beautiful vase of flowers from Taryn at Bark Avenue.

She had been Ruby’s groomer for the past few years, and Taryn loved Ruby like one of her own.

After the final goodbye, Ruby was cremated.

She will be missed, but as a comfort I know she will take up residence with all the other loved pets who reside in heaven.

And without a doubt, Ruby will remain one of this family’s fondest memories.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.