Do "all dogs go to heaven?"

It's Friday evening. And here I sit, snuggled in the corner of our white couch. The TV is much too loud. So loud, that I'm surprised my mother hasn't texted me complaining. I'm watching He's Just Not That Into You, or rather listening. I'm annoyed by a cricket that seems to be in a battle with the television for who can be the loudest. The cricket is nearly winning. And while I would like to relax, I have an endless list of things I need to complete. And yet, I've decided to write a blog entry instead of completing my list at the moment. Don't worry, I'll get to my to-do's after. This week has been exhausting. So I think I deserve ten minutes to type out my thoughts.

My parents road tripped to Yellowstone this week, leaving the house all to my friend Gwenie and I. And up until yesterday, it was quite nice. Thursdays I have no class and, so, I decided to sleep in. Only to discover hours later that my dog, Suzy, was dead. The horrible part? I had seen her hours earlier through the back door and simply thought she was sleeping. Once I realized she wasn't breathing, I went into shock and immediately called my mom while crying and yelling, "Suzy is dead." I had just seen my beautiful Border Collie the night before. She had water. She had food. She was fine- her usual, happy self. And my last memory of that night is happy, playful Suzy simply wanting to be loved and petted, tail wagging a hundred miles a minute, as usual. But I, in a hurry to make it to my State Press Magazine meeting, wouldn't pet her because her obsession with splashing water meant she was soaked and would get my jeans muddy. Instead, I fed her and filled her water dish and dashed out the door. That was it. And now poor, innocent Suzy is gone. We had her for nine years. And she was always the most loving of our dogs. She only ever wanted to jump on you and give you kisses.

We don't know what happened. But after talking to the vet, we believe she had a heart attack and died in her sleep. She was the best dog in the world and I would like to think she is in heaven, with our other dogs that have passed. Her, Fancy, Misty and Xena are probably having a blast and enjoying their time together- & have an endless supply of doggie bones. At least that is what I would like to believe: that all dogs go to heaven, just like that cartoon movie. I just can't believe she is gone. And I'm still in shock. Suzy, I love you. And I'm sorry I didn't pet you more, even if you would have gotten me all muddy. I'm so sorry.

Above: The above picture isn't the best, but it's the only one of Suzy I have on my computer at the moment.