In Heaven with the Baby Jesus

My parents' 8-year-old dog died a couple of weeks ago. He died suddenly, after a short illness. Neither of them were prepared for the gap losing him left in their lives, so they didn't wait too long to adopt another dog, the aforementioned Australian Blue Heeler.

They buried the family pet alongside the other treasured family pets in the front yard. DD and her cousins spent the night with them right after they buried the dog, and so, the kids wanted to put some memorials on the gravesite. My niece, who's 8, said some words over the grave.

As we were driving back home yesterday, DD informs me that Willie, my parents' dog, is now in heaven with Baby Jesus and starts rattling off the prayer they said over the grave, which went something like this:

"Dear Baby Jesus, please take good care of Willie. Be sure to feed and water him every day, and play with him. We left his toys on his grave. These are his favorite toys. We loved him very much and hope you love him too. Amen."

I almost had to stop the car and have a meltdown, and I didn't even care for the dog that much.

It brought back all the memories of all my other beloved pets. I don't think you ever really get over the death of a pet--a boon companion who loves you unconditionally.