Dixie

Five years ago, my young neighbor, Sam, came to our house bearing a small blonde bundle. It was her family's new dog, a Cocker Spaniel, named Dixie.

As evidenced by this photograph, Dixie soon learned to make herself at home. Sometimes she came over with Sam. Sometimes she just came to visit by herself. If the family could not find her, they knew to call our house.

Dixie loved to chase moles. We would see her out in our back yard with her nose underground and her nub tail sticking straight up in the air. She liked to be brushed, so my husband bought a doggie brush for her and would sit out on the front stoop and brush her until she shone.

Dixie was also unusually gentle for a Cocker. She would look at us as if she knew exactly what we were saying to her.

Unfortunately, this sweet pup also had autoimmune problems that had threatened her life more than once. She had beat the odds more than once. But, this time, the vet and the family were just unwilling to put her through any more. It was time to let her go.

Her family gently laid her in her bed and buried her in one of her favorite mole digging spots. If there is a doggie heaven for Dixie, it is sure to include moles.

Goodbye little Dixie. You were one of the best.