Elvis was like a lot of dogs, he absolutely loved to go for rides in the car! Of course there were many destinations that added to his love of it. In addition to
the annual family vacations Elvis was always part of, there were the trips to the ice cream shop for special doggie treats, the Starbucks for his “Puppuccino”, and the bank where biscuits would magically appear in the drive-through teller ’s drawer
For Elvis, this must have been his version of a theme park ride at Disneyland! These rides were such treats that his loving pet Mommy and Daddy would sometimes just put him in the car and drive around the block. It warmed their heart to see how happy it made him to sit in the car, occasionally sticking his head out the window to take in the delicious smells that only a doggie nose could love.
In fact, his Mommy and Daddy said they were like most “crazy pet lovers.” They got to a point with all of their own doctor visits and travel to and from the medical offices they had to spell words such as “car,” “go for…” and anything else that had to do with the vehicle moving or Elvis would make a move toward the door! As they said, Elvis was also the smartest dog they knew. In Elvis’ final days, his pet parents talked about how many miles they put on their car as they did what Elvis loved best. As his time was drawing near, they adjusted their seating in the vehicle as he could no longer hold himself up to put his nose out the window. They positioned him on a pillow nestled on one of their laps so he could be high enough to get his nose out the window. As with the countless other times throughout his life he’d cherished doing this, they made sure these last few days of his earthly existence were just the same.
His Mommy said she swears she could see Elvis smiling as he could still take in the amazing smells. His last day was full of tears and memories for Elvis’ family. They started the day with one more car ride for him. Friends and family members came by to deliver Elvis his favorite treats and one more kiss on the nose. Dr. Donna showed up at the selected time, and they did what they knew would make Elvis smile, they put him to peace in the back seat of the car.
My heart broke for Elvis’ family. Their heart was shattered as they shared their stories and how empty their house was without the rambunctious Spaniel. We had completed their final arrangement request of cremation, and Elvis was ready to go home. We shared more stories, and I learned more about the huge spirit that rocked their world for 13 years. As they prepared to get into their car, I noticed suitcases and amenities for a trip. They confirmed they were taking a much-needed break as Elvis’ care had been a bit draining. And, of course before they left town, they wanted to pick up Elvis in his urn. It would only be natural that he would go with them. After all, that’s what he’d always done.
