"My dog died..." and other dog stories

Conversation # 313ish. An important topic, as you can see. April 12 will mark the 1 year anniversary of Squirt's passing. Having my boys in the family is better than any headstone, picture, poem or other avenue used to commemorate the loss of a loved one. The conversation usually goes like this...As a friend, stranger, or willing listener enters Cole's bubble, he asks "what's your name?" They respond. Next comes "My dog died." Respondant "Oh, I'm sorry." Cole: "Squirty is died, but we still love him." Then Charlie joins in "Squirt was a good dog." Cole: "yeah". Then I change the subject. This conversation has occurred at our house, the boys' schools, the grocery store, the park, the zoo, you name it. Squirt is also frequently discussed between the boys in the car. Just today Cole said, "Squirt died, he is lost now." Charlie said, "No Cole, he's not lost. He's just a spirit now. He lived a very long time you know? When you live a long time like Squirt, then you get to be the king. Squirt is probably the king dog now b/c he's the oldest one." Cole: "yeah." Charlie: "Squirt's just running around and he doesn't feel sick and he eats dog bones all the time. Where do you think he sleeps mom? I think he sleeps on special dog beds." Cole: "yeah". End of conversation.

Death is a very confusing and important topic for the boys right now. Charlie is frequently concerned about the welfare of others. He said the other day "I think people should just get old and die, but not get sick and die. It's not good when sickness and cancer make people die." He also has been concerned about natural disasters and what to do in the event that one comes our way. This topic, of course has led to several religious discussions. These boys challenge me to no end. I love their inquisitive nature!

Oh yeah, the other dog story... Charlie and I were on a "run" a couple of weeks ago when he asked me how to spell dog. For about 1/4 mile he repeated d-o-g-d-o-g. Then he'd get flubbed up and ask again. When we arrived at our house, a neighbor walked by with her two dogs. Charlie put his hand on his hip and yelled out "that's a nice set of D-O-Gs you have there...that spells dog, you know." He is so funny. I don't typically hear the carrier phrase, a nice set of, unless it's followed by hooters or someother such body part. The neighbor and I laughed.