Just Ahead of Us

I am blessed. The store I work in is not only family run, but also animal friendly. Well behaved dogs are always welcome to shop as long as they bring their owner with them.

In the back offices, one of the family dogs is often in residence. You might find him resting on a large dog bed in the office, or pushing the swinging doors open with his nose to head down to the framing department. While he was dieting, there were notes posted in the breakroom reminding us not to feed him extra goodies. That took such will power. He's been known to leave the building of his own accord, leaving us in a panic until he was located. When he wanted a walk, and saw an open door he went for it. His approach to life was walks first, business later.

This special team member has done more for store morale that he will ever know. At 14 yrs old, he greeted many, many employees and customers over the years. He met them with dignity, patience and a wag of his yellow lab tail.

This week he went on his last walk. The walk over the Rainbow Bridge. Our hearts grieve for his owners, and for Happer himself. But I know, as sure as he was loved, that he is not really gone. No, he is not gone, he is just ahead of us on the trail.

So if you should think you catch a glimpse of him ahead, in the field, trotting down the hallway, or out the door, take comfort. He resides with us still, and always will.