Joiner’s Journey — Going on, without Goober

That sad day that every couple who has been chosen by a special animal hates to think about has come. Just as quickly as Goober came into our lives, he has left us. Damn you, cancer.

Our journey with Goober began in the fall of 2010. We had said goodbye to our first foreign exchange student, Signe, earlier in the summer and we missed her dearly. Keith uttered one day, I’d like to get a little dog. Viola, not two days later our phone rang and we were introduced to Darlene Viegut. “This is Darlene Viegut and I have a litter of Miniature Schnauzers. I heard you were looking for a small dog. You are welcome to come and see them. They are $400.00 and we’ll gladly take payments”. Goober was quick to pick out Keith (and I) as a tribe he’d like to belong to! And a new friendship with Ray and Darlene began!

We didn’t have a name ready for him, and my suggestion of “Paul” was quickly dismissed as irrational! That’s o.k. though because a couple of days later when I got home for lunch and said “Hey little goober” Keith instantly said “That’s it! That’s his name!” From then on Goober had name that he liked and always responded to. Keith and Goober were home together for quite a long time and then Keith began driving school bus and Goober held down the fort. Sometimes Keith would go away on overnight trips with the kids and Goober and I would have a good bonding time, but he always missed whichever of us happened to not be home.

His training quickly evolved from kennel training (we called it his ‘cave’) at night to sleeping with us after two nights of that nonsense! He slept with us ever since, although he always loved the solitude and safety of his cave when things were too hectic or we’d be away and he had to stay home alone.

Goober never met a man he didn’t like (or a woman or child for that matter). He loved everybody and everybody instantly fell in love with him. He was personality plus!!

Although Goober was never fond of riding in an automobile he tolerated the motorhome idea, as long as he could stay in the bedroom when we were moving, and as long as he was with us. His family was his priority! But once we got somewhere he was eager to explore and meet new people. He truly enjoyed the time he spent last fall and winter in Tulsa with Keith’s dad. He was a good bridge for dad during that sad, sad time when Janet passed away, through the time when Dad left us also. I think perhaps Dad is there waiting for Goober with a handful of treats, until we can join Goober once again.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

God Bless you Goober for coming into our lives and making it so happy. We will miss you. Until we cross that rainbow bridge…….

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