Goodby, Our Companion

Goodbye, Our Companion

When I was in fifth grade, my brother and I convinced my mother to buy a little white female Maltese puppy just days before Christmas. She'd never had a pet before, and neither had we. Somehow we convinced her buying Krystal was a good decision and we've never looked back. She was there for nearly all of our upbringing and a fixture in all of our milestones as we aged. My mother took care of her every day, and she greeted my father every evening when he came home from work. A barrage of pictures taken through the years show my brother and I aging, while this little white spark of a dog chugged along.

I never thought she would still be alive and kicking for both of our high school and college graduations and weddings. But, I am heartbroken to say that after 18 years, we have made the decision to put Krystal to sleep.

I came to terms that she had been in declining health, but despite losing her sight about a year ago, she never lost the characteristics that made her Krystal. Although the body was a bit older, the spark in her that made us bring her home that night was still strong. In these final days, that spark has dimmed.

Even though I knew in my head that it was only a matter of time before we had to make a decision, now that the decision is made, it is no easier to face the reality. The next time I walk into my parents house, the quiet will be deafening. I just think of that little spunky dog sleeping in her house in my parents laundry room no longer being there after 18 years. I sit here replaying my mother's wavering voice on the telephone and think back to all of the veterinary appointments she took our dog to and the unconditional love and care that both my parents gave Krystal. Caring for her has been a painful reminder of the deterioration of a loved one that no one should ever have to experience, yet all of us will.

I never understood the love and significance of a pet completely until today. I never realized that a little white spunky dog that was bought on a December night 18 years ago would change our lives. We are forever grateful.

Rest in Peace, true companion.

Krystal Conners, 10-03-1990 to 11-05-2008