A letter to a lost, furry friend

Dear Cooper,

How are you? How is heaven treating you? It is now Thursday, as I am sitting at my desk writing this. You crossed the rainbow bridge on Monday. That was three days ago. That may seem close to a year ago in dog years. One human year is equal to seven dog years, for reference.

Is there a golden doggy water bowl and half-decent food there? Is heaven really like a cloud palace or is it more like Valhalla, Viking or Norse heaven, where you fight, or in your case, play all day and drink all night? I would prefer you not to drink alcohol, as it is bad for dogs. Poisonous actually.

Are there unlimited dog biscuits, Dentasticks and cuddles in heaven? Can you go outside for a walk whenever you want? Is there are lake to swim in, or in your case, a lake to drink out of or go boating in? You never really seemed to care for swimming.

It has not been an easy three days here. Mom, dad and I al miss you very much. The cats: Morticia, Merlin and Ophelia all have been laying in your spot on the carpet and searching all over the house for you.

It is odd not to hear the click-clack or pitter-patter of your footsteps on the wooden or tile floors. It is weird to not take you for a walk every night. It is weird not hearing you bark at cars, bicycles and people travelling down our road, which you always tried to control like it was your road. Sorry to break it to you but roads are owned by townships, I know you do not know what those are.

We miss you, buddy. It is the first time in 14 years that our house has not had a dog living in it. You had a good, long 16 years on this planet. I am glad you are no longer in pain. I'm glad your hips are no longer giving out on you when you walk.

Yesterday, Wednesday, we received a small envelope in the mail. What was inside? The vet sent us some small ponytails of your hair with a print of your paw print and a nice well-written card. We have your caller and you have the bandana that you always wore and would get mad if anyone took it away from you, even if it was just to brush you or to wash it, because you loved to roll in the grass and the bandana would always get messy.

I am glad you spent your final moments on this earth under a gazebo, outside on a cool, rainy, autumn morning. You were surrounded by people who care about you. Dad told mom and me that you were one of Doctor Grant's favourite patients. Even though we all know you never enjoyed going to the vet. But hey, even people hate or strongly dislike going to doctors of any kind such as but not limited to dentists.

In heaven, do you get a new body or do you get the body from your younger years back? I'm just curious which is why I am asking you all of the questions, I hope you do not find them annoying, pal.

You may no longer be physically here, but you will never be forgotten by anyone who knew you. You loved to accept pets and play with almost anyone who came over to visit.

I hope you are enjoying your time in heaven. We really miss you down here. We will see you on the other side, Big C or Bobo, or whatever nickname you preferred in life. I love you. We love you.

With love sincerely,

Your child, who is not really a child anymore and who is an adult now, Miranda