My Favorite Eric Story

Eric's best friend growing up was his dog, Fruiter. Fruiter was Eric's dog even before Eric was ever born. They grew up together. He slept with him every night, sometimes taking the blame for a wet bed every now and then. He'd sit in the back of the Cruiser cozied up with Eric and Red Wall on family vacations. He went down to the KOA with Eric to get penny candy. Played with him in the dirt hills. To show his love, he'd bring home dinner for the family, a roast that was thawing on someone's porch, and they would actually eat it. Eric and Fruiter were always together.

Then when Eric was about 13, Fruiter started getting sick with cancer. He was such a good dog that when he was really sick, and throwing up, he'd go in the bathtub to do it. He just got sicker and sicker until he eventually had to be put down. Eric was devastated.

Hoping to console him, Eric's dad made a pine box and said they could go bury Fruiter in a special spot on their property up in the Uintahs. They trekked through the mountains trying to find the perfect spot. Eric's dad, carrying no less than 30 pounds up these mountains, suggested plenty of spots to Eric. But none of them were just the right spot for Fruiter.

A few hours and several up-hill miles later, Eric found the perfect spot. Right next to a tree and a creek the best resting place for Fruiter that Eric could find. Eric's dad tirelessly dug through the rocks and roots and they said their last good-byes.

Down went Fruiter, the dirt piles over his humble pine box.
Eric sniffles, "Dad?"
Eric's dad turns, shovel in hand sweat dripping down the dry Utah sun beating down.
"Yeah, Eric?"
"Can I say good-bye to him one last time?"

So Eric's dad digs Fruiter back up, lifts the lid and then Eric says his very last good-bye.