Lost Cause Diaries #6: The Life of Snoopy
CHAPTER 1: REQUIEM FOR A BEAGLE
In the later years of Snoopy's life, ever since the death of his little friend of friends Woodstock, he has acted more like a normal dog, which shocked the neighborhood kids, who had grown accustomed to the beagle's antics. While he still came out for supper, no longer did he dance around like he used to. He even stopped sleeping on top of his doghouse. No longer did he fight the Red Baron as the World War I Flying Ace. After Woodstock's passing, Snoopy had become a recluse. And also with his advanced age, his quality of life was dwindling.
One particular night, teenaged Charlie Brown and Sally were doing homework. Sally looked at the clock. She saw it was time for Snoopy's supper.
"Hey big brother," she said," I think it's time for Snoopy's dinner."
"You're right, Sally," said Charlie Brown. "Thanks for reminding me." And Charlie Brown got up to fix Snoopy's food. Silas, their father, walked in.
"Hey, kids," he greeted.
"Hey, dad," said Charlie Brown.
"Hi, daddy," greeted Sally.
"So has mom started dinner, yet?" asked Silas.
"Not yet, but I think she will soon," Sally replied. Their mother, Maureen walked in.
"Hey, Si, honey," greeted Maureen.
"Hello, my dear," said Silas, kissing his wife.
"I'll be preparing dinner shortly," Maureen stated.
"Speaking of dinner," said Charlie Brown, "I better bring Snoopy his." And Charlie Brown went out to feed his dog.
"How was work, dear?" asked Maureen.
"It was fine," said Silas. "Larry Van Pelt came in for his weekly haircut. I worry about his family. Ever since Lucy went crazy on young Liam things has been tense in their household."
"I pray that Lacey finally realizes that their daughter needs serious help," said a concerned Maureen.
"I hope Linus and Rerun stay safe," added Sally.
"Mom! Dad!" yelled Charlie Brown coming back in. "We need to get to the vet right away! I brought out Snoopy's dinner, and he didn't come out!"
"Maybe he's asleep," suggested Sally.
"I tried waking him up," a panicked Charlie Brown explained. "He's completely cold! We need to get him there quick!"
"Si, get the car started!" said Maureen. "Charlie, wrap Snoopy in a blanket and bring him to the car!"
"Okay, mom," said Charlie Brown, who then ran back out to Snoopy's doghouse with a blanket.
Later at the vet, the Browns were waiting for what was happening with Snoopy. As they were waiting, Frieda had walked in with Faron, her cat, who was also up there in age like Snoopy, but a bit younger.
"Charlie Brown?" she said seeing her friend. "Is Snoopy all right?"
"He never woke up for dinner, Frieda," said a nervous Charlie Brown. "The vet is looking at him now. What brings you here?"
"Faron has his yearly check-up," said Frieda. "I'll stay with you to find out what happens to Snoopy."
"Thanks, Frieda," said Charlie Brown. "I appreciate your support. I know you and Snoopy never got along well, but I do appreciate how you tried to get him to do more than just eat and sleep."
"No problem, Charlie Brown. I just wanted Snoopy to be more active. Hopefully things will be okay." And then the vet walked in to talk to the Browns.
"What's happening, doctor?" said Silas.
"Well, Snoopy doesn't have long for this world," said the vet.
"Oh no!" said Charlie Brown. Frieda held his hand.
"Well, you can all go in and say your goodbyes to him while you can," said the vet.
"You want me to come in with you, Charlie Brown?" asked Frieda.
"I'd like that, Frieda," said a tearful Charlie Brown.
And the Browns and Frieda all went in to say their goodbyes to Snoopy. He was laying on a table with I.V.'s in his legs. Charlie Brown was tearing up, as was Sally and Frieda.
"Goodbye, Snoopy," said a crying Sally. "You may have been crazy, but you were a good dog."
"So long, boy," said Frieda, who also started crying. "Make sure you catch a bunch of rabbits in Heaven."
"I'm really going to miss you, Snoopy," said a crying Charlie Brown. "I love you." And as the beeping slowed down, Snoopy breathed his last breath. Frieda hugged Charlie Brown as they both wept. Sally hugged their parents. Snoopy and Woodstock was finally reunited.
NEXT CHAPTER: REMEMBERING SNOOPY AND CONFRONTING LUCY
