My tail wags at the number of readers who have shared their stories and contacted me with questions after the passing of their four-legged family members. It has become very clear to me that in this respect, the family dog does more than just connect us with the natural world. This creature that is present in our most private moments also compels us to examine the bigger picture of life and sometimes causes us to ask ourselves some of the "difficult" questions about our earthly existence.

Susan from Foxboro recently shared the circumstances of the passing of Sophie. She told me about the special bond between her adolescent daughter and the small "older" dog that they adopted a few years ago. Her story went on to reveal that the aged dog was diagnosed with cancer and despite all of their efforts to extend her life under veterinary care, their angel grew weaker every day.

Susan and her daughter went to visit their ailing friend regularly, but it became clear that their beloved was not going to recover. The time had come for a decision to be made about whether or not to prolong the suffering of this fur-wearing friend who had trusted her humans implicitly.

Fortunately, no such decision had to be made. Susan told me that on the final visit with their dog, she stood up from her weakened state and began to bark fiercely at the woman before settling back down. Susan's daughter followed, hugging her pet and was able to tell her "I love you, Sophie" before the little dog peacefully laid down and crossed into the spirit world. Susan and I had a lovely conversation about the implications of all that this story entails. More importantly, Susan was worried about her daughter who was present when Sophie died.

Here are some words of comfort I sent to the adolescent girl who lost her dear friend: "Your mom told me the story about what happened with Sophie. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that, but Sophie was so lucky to spend her last years and days under your care - in your home - and knowing your love. I'm so happy that you had the opportunity to tell her how much you loved her. I'm sure she already knew; dogs just "know" these kinds of things. I do want to tell you how blessed you are that Sophie chose "you" as the person she wanted to carry with her as her spirit crossed over. It is an honor to be chosen by an animal to witness the end of its life. Sophie's choosing you also tells you how much she loved YOU, and how much comfort and safety you gave her in her last moments. It is awful to lose a pet and I'm sure you must miss her so much, but feel some sort of comfort in knowing that she has honored you. Sophie was such a loving and giving soul that I'm sure she'd be happy to know that you have brought a new puppy into your home. Dogs love so unconditionally that there is no greater tribute than for you to love another creature the way that Sophie loved you. Her spirit and memory will always be with you."

Wags, Tracie

TRACIE LALIBERTE-BAILEY of Attleboro is a professional lecturer, educator and published writer on the subject of dogs. She is pursuing a doctoral degree on the human-canine bond. You can contact her with any dog-related questions at tracie@dogpawse.com.