All dogs go to Heaven and their girls do too

When our youngest, Makaila, was 13 she decided she wanted a dog.  
She was very serious about taking on the role of pet owner and eagerly explored different breeds in hopes of finding the perfect pet. After hours of research, she had narrowed down her dream dog to either a Labrador Retriever or German Shepard.
Knowing that either breed would be a good fit for our girl, we mused as she listed out the pros and cons of each and made plans to save money so she could buy a puppy from a breeder.
One day while shopping with my husband, we came across a lady in the parking lot with a litter of pups in her pickup. The puppies she intended to rehome were mixed breed. You guessed it: a lab/shepard cross.
Makaila was riding her bike with friends a few blocks away. My husband and I knew if we called and told her of our find, we would certainly be taking home a new addition to the household that day. Within moments of making the call, our daughter appeared with friends in tow and a face filled with excitement.
As we gazed at a dozen chubby puppies, Makaila continued to express that she couldn’t believe how “lucky” she was. Unlike the rest of us, she didn’t see a camper shell full of mutts. She saw her perfect pet, a canine extraordinaire. Some of the puppies favored their labrador genes while others resembled their shepard lineage. None were extremely good looking.
Toward the back of the group sat a chunky pup with a head that was too large for his body. He had lab ears and shepard markings, likely the homeliest of the bunch. While recalling later what exactly made her choose him, our daughter said when she looked into his eyes, she saw his soul and knew he was the one.
We brought him home and our journey began. He was given the name Harvey Dent after the Batman character Two Face. Makaila, an avid Batman fan, explained that Harvey Dent could be kind and sweet or snarling and vicious. “Great traits for a dog,” she said.
Harvey Dent spent the first year of his life doing what puppies do. He ate library books and chewed electrical cords and anything else that was available if left unattended for more than 30 seconds. He was routinely threatened that he would be sent to the pound if he chewed one more thing. The training began, and the scolding eventually subsided. Harvey could walk on a leash, sit, lay down and shake hands, all the things a good dog should do.
Active in several sports, Makaila encouraged Harvey to go on runs with her. Not long after they set out, the duo would return. Harvey, not the athletic type, would be exhausted, panting and ready to lay down. Makaila would talk about how he needed to get in better shape as she gave him belly rubs.
When Makaila started driving, she wanted Harvey Dent to ride in the back of her truck. She lowered the tailgate and coaxed him to jump in. Harvey gave it his best shot but didn’t quite make it after impaling his chest into the tailgate. From then on, our teenage daughter would lift him into the cab where he could ride shotgun.
Boys came and went, but Harvey was always No. 1. Makaila made him cakes out of canned dog food for his birthdays. A candle would be lit and placed on top, and those in attendance would sing to celebrate the dog with two names.
Eventually, Makaila moved out to attend college. When she came home for a visit, Harvey would be among the first at the door to collect hugs. More than once, when it was time for her to go, Harvey would jump in the front seat of her car, refusing to budge until Makaila practically dragged him back to the house, all the while reassuring him of her return. There were Facetime calls to say hello or participate in visits to the vet. There were Christmas presents of dog bones, blankets, treats and even a stocking embroidered with the script Harvey Dent.
Four years ago, Makaila passed away. I brought home a box of her things and Harvey must have caught her scent because he looked everywhere for his girl, somewhat confused when she didn’t appear. Harvey turned 14 this year, a year older than Makaila was when she brought him home. My husband and I did our best to give him a good home knowing we would never fill the void our daughter left behind.
We won’t be putting up Harvey Dent’s stocking this Christmas. He passed away last week. His body was tired and ready to leave this world. He really was a good dog. Maybe he wasn’t the perfect pet, but he was the perfect pet for our daughter. She loved him and he loved her. I know they are happy to be reunited once again because all dogs go to Heaven, and their girls do too.