[Dailydrool] Jane's anniversary

[Elizabeth Lindsey]

It was five years ago today, and at about this time, that we sent our  
Jane Basset on ahead of us. She was old, tired, sick, and ready to  
go. I had brought home a pair of baby pet rats five days earlier and  
I think their arrival let Jane feel as if she no longer needed to  
stay. She knew I would be all right because I would have the little  
rats to look after.

I'd had rats throughout Jane's time with us and she had always  
enjoyed them (and especially their food). But this time she showed no  
interest when I introduced her to them. That should have been my tip  
off. But we didn't want to see it.

We didn't want to see her quickly winding down after the rats  
arrived. It's hard to watch a dear friend begin to leave. However, on  
the day we helped her go, it was obvious, even to those who didn't  
want to see it, that she was ready and would appreciate the help. We  
bade her godspeed, and the sun outside finished setting as our Jane's  
own sun set.

We know that her sun immediately rose again and shines brightly where  
she is now. After awhile, the clouds went away in our hearts and the  
sun rose again for us as well. Our neighbor's basset Macy, a true  
little thundercloud, helped bring some sunbeams back into my life  
during the dark days right after Jane's death. My true friend in  
need. And now we enjoy our Elsinore, Jane's worthy successor, and  
young Charlie.

It feels as if our Jane's been gone for much longer than five years,  
though not a day goes by when I don't think of her and miss her. I  
like to imagine her chasing slow-moving deer in the celestial woods  
while she waits for us to join her. And in my mind, she's at her very  
best again, happy, healthy, and able-bodied. I couldn't wish for  
anything better for my friend who suffered so many health problems  
and disability while she was here with us.

Elizabeth