Ebony memories

Ebony was Dad's little buddy and constant companion. When Dad would come home from work she was there to greet him. After Dad retired they spent even more time together. They could be seen at the fire station, the Fayetteville Store, driving around in the truck, or whereever Dad might be. When Dad would come to my house Ebony would investigate the premises...sometimes digging for moles. The rare times she wasn't with Dad she'd be sitting on the couch looking out the window awaiting his return. Ebony even went on a few fire runs because she was at the station with Dad. Dad and Ebony even received mention in a Times-Mail article. Once Dad had scheduled surgery in Indianapolis and was in the hospital for several days. Mom stayed with him so Ebony stayed with me. She liked to patrol the yard and chase mice. Dad has had several surgeries over the years and more than once Mom smuggled Ebony in to see Dad. That was Dad's best medicine. My fondest memory of Ebony was the bond she had with Dad. Often while Dad was doing something she would explore and wander off a little. Then she would stop and look around for Dad. If she saw him she would continue her explorations. If she didn't see him you could tell by the look on her face that her heart hurt. She would stop everything and look for Dad and she was nervous until she found him. The same was true for Dad. It made me smile because Ebony always seemed happy to see me. She would run to me and lick my face and ears. Dad said she was 'mothering' me. My nickname for her was "Killer". She thought she was a beast. As she got older she began to turn gray. In her final years she lost most of her teeth and couldn't hear or see very well, but she was very mobile and had no problems going up and down the stairs or getting on the couch. A few months ago she started getting very thin. On October 22, 2019, I stopped by the house after work to help Mom with some computer issues. Ebony was in her favorite spot in Dad's chair. I petted her and she licked my hand. For the last month or so she had a hard time walking, so every morning Dad would take her outside to potty. They would then sit on the golf cart that Ebony loved to ride in with Dad. The next morning she passed away in Dad's arms while they sat on the golf cart together. Rest in peace, Killer. Being mischievous. Puppy in need of a haircut. Tuckered out. Pretty girl. At the fire station with Buddy. Watching Dad go to the Fayetteville Store and impatiently awaiting his return. Waiting for Dad to come home. Waiting for Branson to get out of her spot. Dad's best medicine. Visiting Stan while Mom painted a porch swing. Digging for moles. Checking out the neighbor's cat. Christmas with Dad. 16 years old. 17 years old at Michelle's with her fashionable coat.