We’ve shed quite a few tears in the Sheck house today.  Maverick, our poodle/shih-tzu had some sort of altercation with our neighbors’ dogs last evening.  (We’ve yet to find out the details of just what happened.)  Jake and I took him to the ER vet last night, he was checked out and given the ok to go home with pain meds.  However, his little body was unable to handle whatever trauma it endured.  I checked on him during the night and he was resting, however three hours later, things were dramatically different.  I sensed he wasn’t going to be with us much longer.  Thankfully, the kids slept in this morning, so I was able to spend quiet time by his side, stroke his head and back, and tell him how much we love him.  For as crazy as he made me at times, he was such a loving and loyal dog.  He just wanted to be near us and loved us unconditionally.

As sad as today has been, it has been a gentle lesson for the kids in the matter of death.  Little Miss doesn’t understand what took place this morning, but the boys do.  They’ve asked plenty of questions and we’ve had several good, short conversations about what death means and how we are to treat all of God’s creation with kindness and respect.

We love you, Mav.  You’re a great dog!  I sure am going to miss your puppy dog eyes.