Farewell to a friend.

This evening I heard the news of the passing of Misty - my mother in laws Jack Russel Terrier. Now, normally, I don't much care for dogs. I am a cat person myself. But Misty was different.

I believe I first met Misty almost 14 years ago in the old house that Aimee grew up in when I was on vacation from the Vineyard. I got to sleep (or attempt to sleep) in the dining room and Misty was tied up in the kitchen. There were no doors in between these two rooms, just open doorways. Misty sure did not want to be tied up in the corner and she let it be known - all night long. Everyone else was sleeping (and I'll bet they were sleeping) upstairs so I was the only sounding board for this young pup. I did not sleep much those few nights. I don't know how long it took for them to break Misty of her whining at night, but I do know that it was longer than the time I was visiting. And this is my only complaint.

Like I said, I don't care much for dogs - but Misty was different. Misty was amazingly obedient. Lucy had this dog trained so well that she just blended in. My cats blend in but only because they don't want the attention. Misty wanted to please and she did that very well. Whatever Lucy asked this dog would do. How I wish all dog owners could be so successful inthe training of their dogs.

Misty and Lucy lived with us for a while in Tulsa and Scott Depot. Misty and the cats seemed to know their place. The cats kept their distance and Misty let them keep it. Except for Hairball. I have fond memories (and hopefully some videotape) of the 2 of them playing. Misty was an expert woodchuck hunter, and I think she was using her skills in the most gentle of manners when playing with Hairball. And Hairball loved it. They would play and play - Misty digging her snout into Hairballs backside and Hairball circling on his side to try and whack Misty on the head - never any claws. Black Cat and Little One were probably quite pleased when Lucy and Misty moved back to NY, but I think Hairball felt he had lost a friend.

I have many fond memories of this creature. Running like a mad dog when taking her for a walk in Broken Arrow. Coming back from Florida and looking like a fat little piglet. Never having to sweep our kitchen floor. Licking Lucys feet (yuck). Being unbelievably patient with Aidan as he toddler handled her. Riding 14 hours in the back seat of the car as Lucy and I and all three cats made our way to West Virginia before Aidan was born. Laying quietly at my side on the couch (without a towel under her) when Lucy was away. Her planting her butt on my foot as I played with her back legs. Dancing for her biscuit.

But beyond my memories, what this dogs life meant was her relationship to Lucy. Misty helped get Lucy through some of the hardest times in her life. Lucys family was there through it all as well, but I believe that if it weren't for Misty, it would have been much different. Misty was a constant in Lucys life. Always at her side or not too far away. Misty was there for her when Lucy needed it most. It wasn't easy at times. Misty had many surgeries over the past few years, but she survived better than I would have had ever expected. Maybe just to get Lucy through the next trial.

And now she has passed. Many years later than one would have thought. It will be different when we visit in Cicero now. We will miss her presence in Grandmas house as I am sure Grandma is missing it right now. But I am grateful we had that presence. I am grateful for the light she brought not only in Lucys life but my own as well. Like I said - I don't care much for dogs - but Misty was different.

My prayers are with you tonight Lucy. Allow God to give you the comfort you need and give Him thanks for the gifts He has given you. Misty was a wonderful gift - thank Him for the time he gave you with her. We love you!