This morning at approximately 3:00 a.m., I released my beloved Moondog from a failing body that had housed her considerable spirit for many, many years. Moonie would have been 18 yrs old at the end of October - a ripe old age for any canine, but amazingly so for a 65 pounder .
Moonie had an undauntable spirit that commanded respect from every canine who has been part of our family during her lifetime. The consummate alpha and unrelenting disciplinarian, we referred to Moonie as the "dog police" in her younger years. No one ever dared challenge her dominance ... no one except every feline she ever met, that is. For all her iron-pawed tyranny over the other dogs, Moonie turned into an adoring marshmallow in the presence of a cat. I still remember watching the tiny Moonpuppy wiggle up to my cantankerous Queen of the Domain, Pea, and ending up with a claw stuck in her eyelid with cat still attached! It certainly didn't deter the eager pup, though. Moonie just kept wiggling with delight with Pea stuck to her face, Many years later shortly before Pea's death at the age of nearly 23, I watched Pea gently groom Moonie's face with her rough tongue. It was a loving goodbye to her old friend. If I turn my head and look at the spot behind my office chair where that farewell happened, I can almost see them now. Surely Pea has been waiting for the chance to groom her Moondog again, and now she has it.
I could write volumes on the remarkable Moondog, but my heart isn't up to it at the moment. I just need someone other than myself and Joe to know that a great spirit has been released into the ether. Joe dreamt of her running and running and running last night. I asked her to come visit in dreams, though I must admit I would have preferred if she'd shown up in mine. I'm happy, though, to know that she is joyful now. It's been far too many years since her body cooperated in that way.
No more pain, I promised her as she slipped away.
I love you, Moonie. Keep safe the piece of my heart you took with you.
Laurie
