Our Puppy Midnight

I imagine Midnight is running free--actually in a full-out sprint, (like he used to 4 years ago when you opened the door, and he managed to squeeze out.) His cousin dogs excited and welcoming him home.

I remember the day 12 years ago, when we got him as a puppy. Jocelyn had his little leash and collar on him, and he walked that 7yr old girl around the front porch. Jocelyn's intention was to take him around the block, but he found too many curious things with-in 3 feet of the front door.

I remember Marissa dressing him up in doll clothes, and then progressing to having a "purse dog". Whom she took to her fancy N'sync parties.

Tiffany, a one year old at the time, rolled on top of him, and I watched Midnight army crawl out from underneath her instead of growling or biting her. I knew at that moment that he was an usually great dog. Which I must say carried us through his first year of hundreds. A hundred dollar pair of shoes, Shawn's leather briefcase, the (6mo old) carpet seam in the family room...you see the pattern. Tiffany had dog birthday parties, walked, washed and brushed her way through those 12 years with him.

Gavin, was loved and protected by Midnight, and Gavin in turn provided the energy and mischief to keep his life interesting, and always changing. Gavin loved to have Midnight in his tents, play chasing games with him and include him in the Bakugan battle planning.

Midnight loved to play. He learned how to jump through a hoop, sit, beg, roll-over, lay down, fetch and loved a good game of tug with his rope toy. He also LOVED to run. Those little legs could cover great distances. I remember watching him from the back, screaming his name as he took off in the opposite direction to check something out thinking "he doesn't run that fast when I try to take him to run with me."

He was also a great training dog for Oreo who came 4 years later. He taught Oreo the ropes, helped him quickly learn to use the doggie door and fetch a toy. Oreo in turn helped Midnight gain access to food on the counter, helped Midnight dig and hide bones, and waited for Midnight to eat first. They respected, cleaned, and loved each other.

In the past year Midnight lost his eye sight, but got around the house extremely well, and managed to adapt with the help of Oreo. In the past month we have seen a rapid decline of his health, and knew that his time on this earth with us was coming to an end. I am grateful for yesterday when I was prompted to bend down, pet his soft fur and tell him he was a good dog and we have loved having him in our family.
Twelve years with Midnight was a blessing in our lives. We will miss that sweet fun dog, but are grateful he is freed from his old worn-out body. And in a place where he is happy, healthy and strong.