Worst Day Ever

"Speedy" Rest in Peace 1995-2007

Terrible news. Last night my best bud in the world, Speedy the “Wonder Beagle” had to be put down. Speedy, who was going on 13 had been with me since she was just 7 weeks old. I could literally hold her in the palm of my hand. Speedy stayed with me through a marriage, a divorce, many jobs, college, a cross country move, and most recently “defender of the courtyard” at my apartment building. When Newman, my lab retriever, died suddenly in 2003, Speedy was an incredible comfort. I held her while I grieved and her silent understanding helped to heal me.

Speedy was a great dog and a Beagle through and through. Her main goals in life were to sniff, eat, sleep, and repeat. For a breed that follows its nose everywhere, Speedy minded me pretty well. Speedy was an outstanding human trainer as well. She always had no trouble getting to her biscuits. One of her favorite tricks was to wait until I was on the phone and then begin howling (anyone who has ever heard a Beagle knows how distracting and memorable that noise is) until she got a treat. She would usually do this two to three times much to my chagrin and to the unending delight of whoever was on the line.

I held it together as best I could at work but when my key turned in my door lock, I knew that there was no one to greet me. 23 pounds of dog leaves a hell of a big echo. So now, I sit in this quiet, empty room trying to figure out where all the familiar sounds have gone. It’s too quiet..no clicking of her toenails on the hardwoods, the flapping of her ears when she would shake her head, her contented sigh when she snuggled next to me on the couch, and her incessant vocalizations when requesting a bathroom break. Even though we had our rough times, she would always forgive me and I her. Speedy was my one constant in an ever-changing life. She heard my last words and thoughts of each and every day, and greeted me every morning. Speedy was always there for me and now she is gone. I’m empty. I’m alone. I’m a mess. I’ll miss her so much. I love you Speedy.
Hug your pets!
John