Our beloved, beautiful dog passed away on April 30, 2019. As newlyweds we poured our time and money into training the sweet, smart dog we spoiled from day one. Meigo was so happy when we were home and so sad when we were away. She was the one waiting for us when we came home from urgent care after our first miscarriage. She accepted and loved all those babies we kept bringing home for 5 years. I know she would have done anything in her power to protect them. I am still amazed at how when she heard K and M screaming when the neighbor's dog attacked our pet rabbit she sprang into action even though she was so old she slept most of the day. She knew all the basic commands a dog needs to know but we loved the silly things like her being able to give us a high 5. Meigo would do about anything for a bit of string cheese. I remember the first time she went swimming I was scared about how far she was going and made Hubby go out and follow her but she was a natural. Meigo never did grow all the way into her paws. I don't think I appreciated how lucky I was to get to complete college homework at a dog park with a dog that would play fetch for literally hours. She had to sacrifice those fun times to help me with K & D but she loved us anyway.
Meigo had a wonderful weekend of being carried around by Hubby to join us in the yard or wherever we were. K, D and N had off school on Monday and we pronounced it "Give Meigo Anything She Wants Day." That night Family Home Evening was about death and saying goodbye to the dog Hubby and I brought home when we were newlyweds and the pet my children have never known life without. I have never seen so many tears in one room before. That night we all had a slumber party in the master bedroom (where Meigo’s bed was) and after the children were all at school Hubby and I took our sweet, loyal dog to the vet for the last time. As soon as the heavy pain medicine was in her system she immediately relaxed and was in such relief to not be suffering anymore. The veterinarian and staff were absolutely wonderful to us. Soon we had her ashes back and put them in an urn made just for her. I cried every single time I was home alone. The strangest little things would set me off but coming home to a house without Meigo was the worst. I swore up and down I never wanted to feel that way again and no, children, puppies are way more work than you think. If there is anything I learned from all this, it was that it was selfish of us to not take her to the vet sooner. Meigo loved us so much she would have done anything to stay with us. I am grateful for all the happy memories we have of her and that my black lab was able to live a full 15 years. We couldn’t have asked for more.
My parents and our friends have been so thoughtful. I received flowers and cards and hugs and kind words that warmed my heart. I have begun making a scrapbook of Meigo and it makes me cry and relive happy times all at once. It will be a treasure to me and mine when it is finished but it will take a while for sure.
Thank you, Meigo, for being you and thank you, Hubby, for finding her and bringing her home almost 15 years ago. I love you.
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