Still crying because my dear boy Sammy left me on Dec 17.
Hope you are able to cope with Vienna’s passing.
May you have the strength.
I still can’t.
After we lost our chocolate lab I told my wife, “We gave our girl the best care we could, loved on her as much as we could, and she was able to check her pee mail in more than a dozen states. But sadly, we all do die. All we can do is offer our home to another pup in need.”
For me, this is it:
Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, giving their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask…
To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home; my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillow and all my toys; the lap, which I loved so much; the hand that stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared, shelter dog the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and the pain is more than I can stand.”
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give…
The love I left behind.
So true.
Thank you for that.
Sammy showed me the way to another little dachshund puppy Jimmy who is now fast asleep under the duvet with two others.
I like to think, when a pet leaves us it’s soul finds another puppy or kitten to home in and they will eventually find us again. Jimmy does most of the things that Sammy did and also has his mannerisms.
Hold the memory dear but keep going. We adore the two boys we adopted after losing her. I take some joy in opening our home to them—we’re totally smitten—and I think our girl would have approved.
A favorite comic of mine:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/comments/5ibv91/hell_wait_for_you/
Honestly, that cartoon brought a tear to my eye.
panache45, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Vienna. Your mention of your backyard makes me think about the yard I left behind when I moved last year. Three cats and a dog, in various spots.
I’ll give my Atilla and Mauser scritches in Vienna’s honor.
I know what it’s like to have a cat-shaped hole in your heart.
May her memory continue to enrich your life.
Thanks again, guys, for your kind words.
We’ve had some nice days this week, and Vienna has been laid to rest among our other kitties. She’s in an area with a lot of lilies of the valley.
I’m so sorry, panache. The girls and I send our love and condolences. 