Hildy's Last Halloween

Many people stay on the earthly plane long after death has claimed them. So what about animals? Aren't they accorded the same privilege? An elderly family friend told the following story to me years ago.

Hildy was the runt of the litter. She was born on a stormy Halloween night and from then on it was her favorite holiday. While most dogs in the neighborhood were barking in terror at all the trick or treaters in their colorful costumes, Hildy ran happily toward the front door and watched as Dad passed out the candy.

"She's very smart for an animal, " Dad said of Hildy as he watched the golden Labrador Retreiver eagerly greet trick or treaters.

"Yes." We agreed.

"I've never seen a dog get so excited over Halloween." Dad said. "Because it's her birthday!" We children explained. Dad nodded, though whether or not he agreed was another matter.

Years came and went and before we knew it Hildy was 12 years old. Slowed by age she still sat eagerly at the door at watched as the children dressed in all sorts of scary costumes came and went. Little did we know it would be her last Halloween. Four days before her 13th birthday Hildy died peacefully in her sleep. There was no consoling us children who'd grown up with our beloved pet.

Naturally none of us were in the Halloween spirit, but in his wisdom, dad insisted that we do as we always had and decorate the house. With heavy hearts we hung the cardboard skeletons and witches Hildy had loved so much and carved a large jack o lantern to sit on the porch.

As darkness fell and trick or treaters began coming to the door dad greeted as he'd always done. We turned away from the door and tried to immerse ourselves in a jigsaw puzzle. But dad was having none of it.

"I want you two to help me with handing out the treats" He announced.

"But it's not the same." We whined.

"No, it's not. But that's no excuse not to enjoy the evening. He said sternly.

Just then the doorbell rang and he pushed us toward the door.

"I almost tripped over Hildy." The little devil announced as I dropped a candy bar in his sack.

"Hildy's dead" I said woodenly.

"Well there's a dog out by your gate that looks just like her." He said as he turned and ran down the steps.

After two other trick or treaters told us about Hildy being by the fence dad decided we should investigate. A light rain had started to fall and the wind was slapping tree branches in all directions. Still, the three of us trudged out toward the gate.

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