“She’s gone.” Two words I didn’t ever want to hear, but did, as the vet withdrew his stethoscope from Emma’s chest, absolutely certain he’d heard her very last heartbeat. That was two years ago today.

We had to let her go, with medical assistance and compassion to end her suffering. She had been deaf for two years. For more than that long she had struggled with pancreatic problems. Her final couple of weeks were just too much to bear, for both of us. She lost her appetite, became dehydrated and struggled to walk and even relieve herself. After almost 16 years of being an intimate part of our family, day and night, she was done. All things must end, right? Except the heartache of loss.

Emma was a better family member than are some actual family members. I grieved at her passing more so than for some relatives I’ve seen depart. I’ve heard it said that a dog or even a cat is such a good example of unconditional love. They give so much and require nothing, except food and water and an occasional pat on the head. In ancient Roman times history says that many dogs were named “Fido.” That would be a derivative of the Latin word “fidus” – meaning faithful. Abraham Lincoln named his favorite dog Fido, considering him a symbol of loyalty. How appropriate.

I can just imagine some readers saying, “How dare you give such emotional attention to a mere dog. Don’t you know that children are being trafficked, PTSD is leading our veterans to take their own lives, and the homeless mentally ill are rotting on our city streets? Where are your priorities?”

First, there is no such thing as a “mere dog.” And yes, I am aware of those situations, otherwise I wouldn’t have mentioned them. That’s actually a short list of disturbing issues to be concerned with in the declining culture of our world today. But none of those people were my faithful companion day after day, through my own good times and bad, with bright eyes, a joyful bark and a waggy tail.

Emma Rose, so named by my wife who couldn’t resist her at a Rescue Dog event, was a wonderful little 9-pound Terrier gift from heaven, and I will always treasure her trusting friendship. She continues to be missed, by all of us who had the blessing of enjoying her time with us.

I do take some comfort in the fact that I’m not the only one who has such a heart. “You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God!” Psalm 36:6

Amen to that!