It's the hardest I've ever had to write. Less than a week ago, Leni's little heart stopped beating. Now my last wish for her has come true. Our beloved little dog was allowed to go over the rainbow peacefully.
Leni was a very special dog. More than just a dog. We have seen so much together. A thought that comforts me. She really had a full and extraordinary life. The small, headstrong adventurer who felt really big. She couldn't have had a better life.
The morning before her death, Leni and I were still working on her book together. I type the words, but I always had the feeling that Leni was telling them to me. On the morning of November 24, 2020 Leni had me write the following paragraph:
During winter break, Sonja often told us good night stories . At first I thought they were Sonja's thoughts. Then I thought she was making up the stories. Finally I understood that the stories were written by other people so that they could be read and told over and over again and would not be forgotten. And so the heroes of the stories live on forever.
Leni's story is written. Her experiences and thoughts are on paper. I hope that in the next few weeks I will find the strength to finish the last work on her book, so that soon she can take many people with her on her extraordinary journey.
I knew I wouldn't be able to write many words, but I knew that our days together were coming to an end. A few days before Leni fell asleep forever, I made a video with her and recorded my thoughts. To say goodbye to Leni:
Leni, we miss you so much. The world is so much poorer, so much colder without you. You will always be in our hearts. But now we have to let you go. Because I know that there is a place somewhere where you can jump around happily again. Without your old bones hurting you.
I heard someone define heaven once as a place where when you get there all dogs you ever loved run to greet you.
Robert B. Parker
