I don’t understand. My family has changed. Why?

When I was a puppy, they would cuddle me and throw lots of balls for me to chase. When they took hikes and other fun trips, I joined them. Nowadays, the only rides I get are to the man who sticks me full of needles.

One time the man kept me overnight in a cage. He seemed nice enough, but for some reason I still trembled when I saw him. Upon my family’s return, they cried numerous tears. I never understood why because I felt fine. For weeks afterward, they pampered me with lots of treats and threw numerous balls.

Another time I slipped out the door in pursuit of a squirrel. When my family ran after me, I dashed back and forth across the yard, enjoying the game until drifting out of their sight. The squirrel was long gone, but I smelled a rabbit and several deer, tracing their paths across a field. I followed my nose until most of the day had passed. By nightfall, hunger overwhelmed me, and I snuffled along the path back home. My family showered me with hugs and kisses, acting as if they would never see me again.

As time passed, my bones began to ache, and I slept more. My family threw fewer balls for me. I could no longer hear all of their words, and they shouted at me. My eyesight faded, and when I peed on the carpet, I knew it was wrong but couldn’t help myself. I got dragged into the laundry room and left there. I howled my remorse.

More and more, I was left on my own. When my family prepared for hikes, I wagged my tail wanting to join them, but the door slammed in my face. Not understanding why I was being left behind, I paced the floor with my aching limbs and whined. Did they not understand that I still wanted to be part of their lives?

One day, my family woke me from a deep sleep. They said we were going for a ride. I struggled to my feet and wobbled, but wagged my tail with renewed vigor. But they took me to THAT MAN and left me without saying goodbye. I trembled and yowled, but he poked me with a needle. After a few shudders, my pain faded and I fell into a deep sleep.

I still love you family, but when I gave you the best years of my life, where were you when I needed you?