All my life I’ve grown up with a family pet (fur baby, doggie). I remember when I was a little girl I had a dog named Duke. I don’t quite remember Duke’s breed, but he was ferocious. Everybody would always ask when they came to the house where’s Duke? I’d say he’s locked up. That meant in the back yard on his chain or somewhere in the house. I was a little kid so I would torment Duke, but Duke didn’t seem to mind. One day I threw Duke out my bedroom window because I wanted to see if Duke could fly. Don’t worry he landed safely on the grass. But I heard my Mother screaming from downstairs in the kitchen, “Richard, get Diane, she just threw the dog out the window”.  Uh, oh, I’m in trouble. Duke came running in the house after my Father or Mother let him in. See, Duke was a part of my memories as a child. I’ll never forget Duke. When Duke passed away. It was my first experience with losing a pet. I was sad and miserable. But, I was just a child, and what do most families do? Seek to replace the loss of an animal to make it all better. Come to think about it, that’s kind of what we’re taught in various relationships like friendship, marriage, pets, etc… If you lose it, replace it… Cover up the pain, the hurt, the agony of defeat. Well, that doesn’t work and it’s the wrong message.

I recently loss my fur baby, “Spencer Austin Bethel,” was his name. He was a miniature Schnauzer. The cutest little doggie you ever wanted to see, with so much personality. After a few years, me being in school, and holding down multiple jobs at the time. Spencer was also raised by a close friend and her family. Spencer was special, Pen-Pen as he was affectionately known, went to grammar school, Duke university, he received report cards and all, he also went to, “All dogs go to heaven Church of the Holy Redeemer.” Spencer watched Television and he was a good student, but Spencer was also mischievous. I won’t call him bad; he was mischievous. He barked at everything walking and talking. You couldn’t take him anywhere he would just be embarrassing. Well, not too long-ago Spencer was diagnosed with cancer, and shortly thereafter, lil Spencer was put to sleep to spare him the effects of his illness. I got a chance to spend some quality time with Spencer before his passing. Don’t think I’ll be replacing Spencer Austin. Thank you for allowing me to share my treasured memories of my family pets. It’s part of the grieving process. This Too Shall Pass!

Remember pets are a part of the family. 
Spencer Austin Bethel
10-22-2007 – 4-1-2021
Rest in doggie heaven Pen-Pen!

~DIANE M. BETHEL
D. Bethel Counseling, License: Florida MH18296