Tyson

How is it that this little 4 legged fur baby could steal my heart completely? 15 years ago, I was terrified of dogs...big, little...all of them! I think I shocked everyone with my news of getting Tyson. I knew absolutely nothing about being a pet owner, so I did a lot of things wrong...but who cares if you never learned to sit, come or get in a crate. You were perfect! Oh Tyson, you were the best dog. You were so relaxed and adjusted to every situation. You loved sleeping and didn't bark unless you needed to get my attention. Your favorite thing was to get your ears rubbed...and your tummy. I will never forget how you'd prance around the house when you were so proud of yourself. You used to spin a circle to get your treat. That made me smile every time. You just wanted to live with your mama and get all her attention forever. My first baby, I will love you forever.

He went though my college years with me, was there as I grew up, made horrible mistakes, and great accomplishments. He wouldn't leave my side if I was sick. He was there the day I met my husband, when I graduated college, got my first real job, got married and brought my precious baby girl home. I think the reason its so hard to say goodbye is because he's done life with me. Every milestone, even in the years he lived with my mom and dad, he was always my baby. He was my friend I talked to and cried with...he always knew when I needed to cuddle. 

He wasn't so sure about Sydney. He was very interested in the little thing we brought home. He would come and smell her and sit by her sleeping. She was just beginning to notice him. She would scream and jump the second she saw him walk by. He had her just about to crawl. I know she loved him too. I knew he couldn't live forever, but I wanted so bad for her to remember him. 

They told me for months and months, its time...and you're just getting old. I never listened. You were old, yes...but nothing was wrong. You peed in my house but it wasn't always because you couldn't hold it. You're just stubborn and wanted my undivided attention. I promised to love you and be the best mama to you until the end. It did get harder...special food for your toothless mouth, special medicine, dog wraps...but you were so loved every step of the way. It wasn't until that night I heard you screaming from pain that I ever considered letting you go. Up until then I'd never witnessed you in a pain and that broke my heart. You had a good day that next day, but then it happened again. I knew in my heart that this was it. I carried you inside and wrapped you up. We sat and talked. I told you that you did a good job loving me and it was ok to go. I fed you lots of treats and sang all of our songs. You just gazed into my eyes the whole time. I told you at least 100 times how much I loved you. When my family arrived we went to the doctor and said our goodbyes. Its so strange that in that moment, I had courage and was able to make the hardest decision, but the best one for you. I don't think at any other time I would've been able to do it. I will never forget your last yawn that made me smile so big. Oh, I just love you so much my sweet baby boy. You are forever engraved in my heart and will never be forgotten. 

Tyson

December 7, 2000- March 16, 2016