"Matlock"

After learning of the loss of their wonderful dog, Matlock, I wrote to my friends, Jackie and Andy, in New Mexico. And, after hearing that my response to them touched peoples' hearts, I thought I would post it here in my Blog.

Dear Jackie and Andy,

I was so sorry to hear of Matlocks' passing.  What a great dog he was.  And, although I was not around him often, and in fact he didn't really

know me at all, he really saved me from myself that time I spent the night up at your place in Glorietta. Here is the little story.  A true story.

 I think it was when Amy, Archer, Granny and I came up for a couple of days, or maybe just one.  Anyway, when it came time to decide on sleeping arrangements, I opted for one of the little places up on the hill.  Jackie.... remember you gave me the grand tour of each one and I could decide where I would stay.

As the sun went down, it finally dawned on me, that it would be very dark up that hill, not to mention actually closing my eyes.  Yikes.  I never

let on how frightened I was and everyone said things like, "oh, you will be fine, we sleep so good when we stay up there."  Or, "hey, just leave the door open so the fresh air can keep you cool."  What?   Keep the door open, are you guys serious!  Don't you know there are wild animals in the forest?

Of course, I didn't let on how scared I was and I kept trying to figure out ways that ....well....after everyone was asleep, maybe I could get to one of the cars and just sleep in there.  No...I am not kidding.

So bedtime came,  I think Jackie or Amy escorted me up the hill to my room.  Hey, I was a trooper, went right in, turned on the lights, got in bed.........wait.....Let me just pause for a moment and tell you that I have camped in Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana (Glacier).  I have actually been in the company of a big bear, in camp, while I was making breakfast for everyone in Colorado. In Glacier, I ran into a very large grizzly bear, on the way back from a hike.  So, it's not that I don't know what's out there.....I do.

Then, as I was about to make my run for the safety of the car.....I heard something.  Not a loud noise, just a sort of soft walking noise.  There was some huge animal about to come in the room.  Oh my god, my worst nightmare was coming true.  And me without a phone or anything.  I decided that I would do the unthinkable and turn on the light.

It was Matlock, big ol' Matlock.  He came ambling over to my bed, put his chin on the mattress and just looked at me like, "hey, I am here, you don't have anything to worry about", then he went to the doorway and laid down.  He didn't move all night and I slept peacefully, knowing he was there.

As far as he and I were concerned, we were soul mates. 

So, I was so very sad about him passing.  I do know what it is like to lose a life-long friend as we lost our beloved Annie, last November. We had had her since Aubrey was in elementary school.

 RIP Matlock.

Much love to you both,

Cathy