The Best Mistake We Ever Made

How a Dog Become Our Firstborn

As I took Aberdeen outside for the last time on a Wednesday night, standing on the cold, dark patio, I broke down. He feebly sniffed the ground, a frail shadow of the lively dog he’d once been, yet still the embodiment of eighteen and a half years of profound joy, loyalty, and friendship. I knew I’d be sad, but I hadn’t expected to feel so heartbroken.

We were newlyweds in 1998 when we bought our Miniature Schnauzer, over-drafting our account. The $350 for him was a fortune for us then. Aberdeen was our “trial run” before kids, and when our firstborn arrived, I would jokingly tell her that Aberdeen had been in mommy’s tummy with her. We repeated this joke with each child, always referring to Aberdeen as our firstborn. That overdraft turned out to be the best mistake we ever made.

Logic told us this day was coming. He was old, losing weight, and his neurological disorder made walking nearly impossible. Our heads knew the decision was right, but nothing could prepare our hearts for how wrecked we would feel. As we stood with Aberdeen during those final moments, grief overwhelmed us. I thought of what my daughter Anna had said the night before. “Do you know why Aberdeen has lived so long?” She asked. “Because he’s happy.”

His love for us and his will to press on, despite his frail body, filled me with both joy and sorrow as we watched him take his last breath. Through my tears, all I could say was, “I’m sorry, Aberdeen.” Memories flooded my mind— like how he would bounce after a tennis ball, and then run off with it never to return. How he would perform tricks for treats, or wait until we were in bed before jumping up and joining us. I remembered his comical protest whenever we asked if he had a girlfriend, and how he’d dry himself off by racing down the hallway after a bath. He would howl when one of the kids cried and even carry his food bowl to us when empty. We gave him nicknames like Pookerboo, and he always responded with a look of love and approval.

Aberdeen was never far from us, always believing he was part of our pack, with me as the leader but himself just above my wife and kids. He was with us for everything—every birthday, every holiday gathering, every party and family gathering, and every Bible study. He welcomed each of our children when they were born, watched over them, protected them, and loved them. He was always with us.

And we were with him, until the very end.

Question

How do you honor the love and loyalty of those—human or animal—who have been with you through life’s journey?

Peace,

Brandon