More Than a Companion

Our household is sad today, as yesterday we said good-bye to our long-time friend, companion, and more than a pet, our dog Sheridan. She was a member of the family, dutifully barking and prancing at the door when the mail man approached, standing by her cookie jar at any hint of praise for a deed well done, and taking her place beneath the large dining room table should a scrap or morsel happen to fall to the floor.

She greeted me with her dog version of a smile every time I walked through the door, and slept on the floor guarding my side of the bed each night.

Her joys were simple, laying in the warm sun sniffing the breeze for what ever scents that only a dog’s snoot can conjure out of the air; dancing in a circle as our 'circus dog' for that biscuit that to her was the equivalent of a bite of prime rib; and guarding her chew toy with the force (albeit a pretend force) of the fierest K-9 unit dog from my creeping hand determined to steal it away.

Sheridan was and is a member of our family.

While sitting in my favorite chair, lights low and box of tissues in my lap last night, I began thinking about pets that must say farewell to owners, wondering if they feel the loss of friend and companion.

At the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, his beloved Scottie, Fala fled the room through open French doors out into the garden. Those that were there are sure he felt the passing of the President. Fala rode the funeral train that brought the President home from Georgia. He attended the funeral at the side of Eleanor Roosevelt. Mrs. Roosevelt later noted that at each round of gunfire from the 21-gun salute, Fala barked, just one solitary bark.

Lifestyle changes took place not only for Eleanor, but for Fala as well. Mrs. Roosevelt later commented that the poor little guy never got used to losing his beloved Master.

When dignitaries came to call on Eleanor, and Fala heard their cars coming down the drive with sirens wailing, his little body came alert, his ears perked up and he watched for what he was sure to be the return of the President – then would sadly return to his bed.

Mrs. Roosevelt felt that Fala accepted her after her husband’s death, but she was sure he felt she was just someone to put up with until the President’s return.

Some dogs forget, but it is said that Fala never did. Even later in years, whenever distant sirens were heard, Fala would straighten himself and became alert, and perk up just a bit, that feeling of importance – the companion to the President - would come back, as in the old days.

When Fala died in 1952, he was laid to rest next to his Master, President Roosevelt.

Sweet dreams Sheridan.

-Stormy