Saying goodbye to our pets is one of the toughest things we have to do. This weekend we said goodbye to our Dapper, our old man who had been hanging in there for some time but who was obviously suffering physically. His tired old body was slowly giving out.

We were not Dapper’s original owners but we loved him just as if we’d had him since he was a pup. Back in 2013 I was on Facebook and saw that one of our elementary school teachers had posted about her aunt’s dog needing a place to stay for the weekend. Dapper’s original owner, the teacher’s aunt, had passed away from cancer and they needed someone to look after him. Dapper immediately reminded me of our old girl Zoey. I could imagine him being her great uncle or even grandfather. The big ears and the handsome face with shepherd leanings drew me in. I messaged the teacher and made arrangements to go get him. Miss C and I drove over, met Dapper and soon he and his beloved Superman blanket were permanent fixtures in our home.

We’re not exactly sure of Dapper’s approximate age, but he was at least 15 or 16 and quite possibly 17. Arthritis had started to take over his body, he had difficulty getting upright and out the dog door and he could not longer see or hear very well.

Dapper was a sweetheart. He was docile and loving and easily adjusted to our home the past four years.

We were all with him when he took his last breath and I like to think that he is in heaven now with his original mom and now playing alongside our Bailey and Jack.

Rest in peace sweet boy. We love you very much and will never forget you.