Small miracles

As we close this issue of DSN, I am trying really hard not to think about the only thing I am able to think about right now.



In the October issue of DSN, I wrote about a pet clinic program Walgreens was testing in 50 stores in Massachusetts.



In that column I mentioned that my wife had just brought our dog Petey home after five nights in the animal hospital; he had a long road ahead of him, I wrote at the time. That was a little more than two months ago.



I am racing now to finish this issue so that I can go home and spend some more time with him, because short of a miracle, by this time tomorrow my wife and I will bring him to the animal hospital for the last time. My wife’s eyes are swollen from crying, and it is all that I can do to summon the strength to suck the tears back into my own eyes and be strong for the two of them.



It’s a hell of a thing to say good-bye to your best friend in the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.



But in the last two weeks Petey and I celebrated our birthdays — his 12th and my 46th — and I have had the blessing to reflect on what he has given us beyond just the simple joy of his companionship all these years. Let’s just say it’s weird to think how much a dog can teach you about life, love, patience and understanding. And somehow this whole sad chapter has brought my wife and I even closer together. Just like you said it in your wedding vows.



So, I am going to go home now and be with my wife and my dog, and pray for a small miracle. Whatever happens, Petey already has been a small miracle in my life.



And you have to be thankful for that. I am.