We have one of those large trampolines in the backyard for our boys to play on. We are now on our second one. The first one was a 12' trampoline with a net that was purchased back in 2010. Abby was about six years old at the time. As the boys got on it and jumped together and played, I think she felt really left out. These were her boys, after all. They were hollering and laughing and having such a good time and she was not included. We had a Little Tykes plastictodddler steps/slide pushed up to the entrance to the trampoline. Well, up Abby bounded those little stairs and jumped right into the trampoline with her boys! She would bounce along with them and loved it! She would run around on it. When they all got tired, they would just sit down (or lay down) right on the trampoline and rest! It was the coolest thing! That first trampoline wore out from age and lots of use. The one we have now was just put up and it is a 15' one. The Little Tykes slide rests at the entrance. The boys are bigger now and don't need the steps, but Abby does. Who knew a dog would play on a trampoline?
Now to the heart of the story. The pastor of our church recently went through a sad time. His 13 yr. old golden retriever, named Sheba, died from old age. He was really sad over it. I sympathized as any other family with a dog included as a vital member might. I joined him and his wife for lunch one afternoon. I told them again that I was sorry for their loss and I knew how important Sheba had been to them. Some people do not understand how huge the loss of such a pet is. I told them how special Abby was to us. I even went on to tell some of Abby's funny antics, including her delight in jumping on the trampoline with the boys. The pastor and his wife laughed. And then they told me that Sheba, also, had joined their son, Todd, on the trampoline many times when he was younger. Todd was currently in college. I was suprised. And happy that someone else could relate. And also a little sad, because here I was thinking Abby was the only dog who jumped on the trampoline. I liked thinking she was rare and special. Well.. SHE IS. She is OURS.
(This was written by my daughter, Karen.)
