It's mid 2015. Hot summer. I'm at my fiance's house, hanging out with her and her family. Don't really remember why except to, you know, be with her. While we are all meaninglessly chatting away, I notice a new movie starts on the tv. It's called "Marley and Me." Now, before I discuss what happened after viewing this movie over the next two hours, let me preface it: I've heard of this movie and what happens at the end (SPOILERS). Yeah the dog dies, yeah it's supposed to be a really good movie. A real tear-jerker. But I never got around to watching it.
So I pay attention throughout the film and you know what. It's not that bad. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston actually do a really good job acting. And then the dreaded end comes. You can honestly read it a mile away.
I had to put my childhood dog, Gracie (A black female lab), down in January of that year due to medical reasons. It was easily one of the hardest things I've ever done. She was 13 years old.
Understand this: I don't cry. Like at all. I really don't. Not because I'm like some macho guy or whatever. I just don't cry. When I saw my wife for the first time in her wedding dress, I didn't even cry (she still resents me to this day so fellas, just force the tears). I think she has seen me cry maybe twice since we've been married. I was just taught growing up there are other ways to convey emotion other than breaking down.
But towards the end of the movie, I freaking lost it. I just ran outside to the side of the house. I didn't even finish the film. I was literally heaving and weeping. I hadn't thought of Gracie since January, and this awful (emphasis on that word) movie brought up all those feelings. My wife came out to find me why I left the house, and I told her we had to go right away. Talk about embarrassing. I said goodbye to her parents, and she drove while I cried another five minutes nearly.
People who never have had dogs or never had a family dog are probably just laughing or shaking their heads at me, if they have even made it this far reading wise. But they just don't get it. And, I don't believe in my writing capability enough to even try and explain it. So I can only give reasons. You should get a dog for your kids when they ask for a puppy so they can:
-Give it a bath and let it soak them when it shakes off
-Play fetch for hours and hours
-Learn responsibility
-Have a partner for bed
-Spend holidays and birthdays with
-Constantly get licked and loved
-Always have someone to protect them
-Give all their unwanted food to
-Teach tricks and have a blast with
-Have a friend that will never judge them or leave them
-Have someone to always come back home to when they leave (especially for college)
-Be comforted when their boyfriend/girlfriend breaks up with them
-Lay down beside and just be next to them
-Name it some crazy weird name that, for some reason, fits
-Receive love from an animal that gives humans a run for their money, seriously
-Have the memories
When labs get older, their hips don't usually age very well. In fact, this is why my family decided to put her down. She could hardly move. And she hadn't gotten up in three days. I remember the night before we had her appointment: It was after Christmas and there were leftover sugar cookies. We had her laying down in the garage. I went in there, fed it to her (she only nibbled a few bites) and just sat there with her, holding this 60 lb dog. This 60 lb best friend. So if your childhood dog has passed, get your kids one someday. If she/he is still here, put this stupid phone down that you're reading this article on and go play fetch.
