Moose  

  When we first moved into the house in San Antonio, I was about 6 years old, and my little brother was four. It had been two years since we first came to San Antonio. Our last dog had been an Alaskan Malamute named Major. He was 13 and had severe arthritis and hip dysplasia when we had to have him put to sleep. Now, we children were wondering when the new dog would join our family. It was inevitable with us -- there would be a new dog.

  One day, Mom and Dad said they were going out shopping, and that they would return later in the afternoon. They were gone for a good part of the day. My oldest brother said matter-of-factly, " They're getting a dog."

  "No, they're not," I replied with the utmost confidence.

  "I bet you they are," he said.

  "Okay, a nickel," I said, accepting the challenge.

  "Fine," he said.

  I was curious about his theory, and set out to make a list of names for the new dog. That is, just in case he was right. I had two neat columns, one for boy dogs' names and the other for girl dogs' names. I spent a fairly decent amount of time writing it all out. A while later, my brother called to me, "Meghan, come see this!"

  I ran to the front door to see Mom coming out of the car with a small, white bundle of fur. I was so surprised, and happy that we had a new dog, and annoyed that I'd lost the bet. I was, in a way, relieved that I had made my list out. When our parents and the puppy were inside, one of my other brothers said, "What should we name it?"

  This was my big chance. Just as I was going to introduce my list of names, Mom said, "He already came with a name. His name is Moose." At that moment, Moose became a part of our family. He is a beautiful, white Samoyed. I didn't get to use my list, but we all loved the name. Also, my brother, the kind soul that he is, never made me pay him. We were all just glad to have our new dog in the family.

Moose lived in Texas with Hannah up until mid-July, 1999. He was being medicated for his arthritis, but he wasn't getting any better. Moose had to be put to sleep, as there was nothing anyone could do to stop his pain anymore. He has now crossed over to Rainbow Bridge, where he can frolick as a puppy would, and feel only happiness from now on. He will be sorely missed.