Disclaimer: This is a Rossi/Strauss story, I love Rossi, I love Strauss and therefore I love Rossi and Strauss. I don't own the characters or anything dealing with Criminal Minds, except this story. I don't like the way they killed off Erin, so I change it to suit my own twisted mind. I like writing Erin's kids into my stories, so they will be in a lot of them.
Letting Go
They knew this time was coming, but hoped they had a few more weeks. As she entered the kitchen, Erin saw Dave and Jessie sitting on the floor, Mudgie's head in Dave's lap and Jess hugging him tightly. Dr. Wilson, the vet who had taken care of him since the day Dave brought him home was there as well. Daniel and Katie sat at the island tears streaming down their cheeks. Going to David, she held him as tight as possible.
Dr. Wilson said "Dave, there is nothing more we can do but let him go."
Standing, Dave spoke softly, "I know it's time." With that he went to the garage, followed by his friend and the dog's vet, made a couple calls and brought in a blanket.
"David, what are you doing?" Erin Strauss-Rossi asked.
Turning to look at us all, "John, thank you for coming. I appreciate all you've done." The vet, shook Rossi's hand, nodded at the others and left through the back door.
Again, Erin asked as David bent down wrapped the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in the blanket before picking up the large dog. "David, what are you doing?"
"I know you have commitments today and I want you to go do them. I'm taking him to the cabin. It's his favorite place in the world. Bob will meet me there I'll say my goodbye and let him go." David said moving toward the garage.
"I don't want you to be alone, give me a few minutes and I'll cancel things." She told him hanging on to her oldest daughter.
Handing Mudgie to Dan, he went to his wife, kissed her, "No, Erin. You go with your plans, they are important. I'll go to the cabin, do what I need and be home for dinner." He kissed her forehead and turned to take his long-time companion from Erin's son.
Erin Strauss-Rossi sobbed as she said, "I really don't want you to do this alone."
Reaching for the door, Daniel said, "He won't be alone, I'm going with him. Mudgie needs someone as he drives." Nodding Erin saw Jessie move to the doorway, "I'm going too." With that the three were gone.
Erin knew this would be a very hard day for all but especially for her husband. He'd had the retriever since he was a puppy. He was now almost thirteen. That was old for this breed of dog. Turning to her oldest, kissing her head, she headed up the stairs to do as David wished.
The drive to the cabin seemed to take forever. No one spoke, Dave remained completely silent as he drove, Mudgie's head laying on his leg. Once in a while a lone tear would slide down his cheek. This didn't go unnoticed by the two others in the SUV.
Pulling into the mile long drive, Dave absent mindedly rubbed the canine's head whispering, "It won't be long now boy and you can rest."
Stopping in front of the cabin, the trio got out. Dave picked up his dog and carried him to the porch where Bob, his friend and the local vet sat. Sitting on the step he never let go of Mudgie. Dan and Jess also sat around their friend.
"Are you ready?" Bob asked.
Looking from Dan to Jess both sobbing, "Yes, it's time. He's been such a faithful companion all these years, it's time to let him rest." Dave said. And just like that as soon as the vet gave the injection, he was gone. They set in silence for a while.
Bob, patted the retriever, "It's been my great honor to help take care of you, Mudgie. The Rainbow Bridge is waiting." Turning to Dave and the children, "if you need anything, Dave, you know where I am."
Not moving Dave thanked him and he was gone. The trio sat on the steps for almost an hour. Dave knew what he needed to do but wasn't ready to let go yet. Finally, he stood, took the dog and walked to the other side of the small lake on the cabin's property.
Laying the animal on the ground, Dave went into the shed a few feet away and came back with a shovel. Beginning to dig a hole that would be Mudgies final resting place. It wasn't long when Dan retrieved another shovel and started to help. Looking around Dave couldn't find Jess, but knew she was there somewhere. Once the hole was deep enough and big enough, Dave gingerly placed his friend into the hole, covering his body with the blanket. Slowly the men filled in the grave. As soon as they were finished, Jess walked over placed a few rocks as a headstone and a cross she'd made from wood she found in the shed. Written in her finest printing were the words "Faithful Friend"!
Dave looked at his watch, "We'd better head back, I told Mom we'd be home for dinner." Putting the shovels away and making sure everything was locked up, the trio headed home.
Entering the house Dave saw that Jack and Stacey Strauss were sitting at the Island talking to Kate and Josh. Dave nodded as Stacey commented. "We are so sorry for your loss." Kate hugged him and he politely excused himself.
By the time Erin arrived home Jack and Stacey had gone. She smiled at her children sitting in the living room talking among themselves. Greeting them she asked, Dan and Jessica "How did it go?" Both shrugged no knowing how to put it into words. "Where is he?" She asked no one in general. Taylor, Daniel's girlfriend pointed to the end of the hall and the den.
Erin Strauss-Rossi, slowly walked down the hall, to the closed door. Unsure she wanted to disturb her husband, she also knew she couldn't let him get in his own head and dwell. Opening the door, stepping in and closing the door, the room was dark except for the light coming in the window. She found him immediately sitting in the arm chare beside his desk. This is where Mudgie would sit when Dave worked in his den. She noticed he was turning the dogs ball over and over in his hand.
"David, are you okay, what can I do?" She asked moving closer to him.
Not moving he whispered, "Erin, baby, I love you but there is nothing anyone can do. He lived a long life, was deeply loved and he loved this family. I knew when I got him, this day would come." Standing he went to the window and looked out at the garden and pool. Mudgie love to lay in the garden and play in the pool with the kids. "I don't want to hear people tell me they are sorry for my loss. I didn't lose Mudgie, he died. I know exactly where he is."
Hugging Dave from behind, she looked out the window as well. That's when she saw it. "David, look over the pool!" The way the sun hit the water of the pool, made a Rainbow across it. Dave smiled for the first time that day. In his heart he needed to believe this was a sign his companion of 12 years was finally at rest.