I weep for Hadia, who only knew love for the last 2 years of her life. I was glad to let her sleep on the bed, even though she remade it into a pile every evening to suit her. Because she got so excited about going to McDonalds, even though she drooled and licked every window in the car. Because she became young again when she heard a raccoon and would have killed it to protect me. Because, even though she was old, loved to give the cats a jolt by suddenly jumping at them. Because she was eager to please, but not knowing any commands, would get so frazzled I stopped trying to teach her. (she never did get 'lets go potty' and would jump up growing at who knows what) Because everyday, before we went for a ride, she would follow right behind me, incase I decided to go without her. Click, click, click went her toenails. I even have clicking on video tape while Im videotaping something else. It drove me crazy, and I would turn around and tell her to 'STOP', she'd stop, for a minute, then find me and start all over again. I miss it now. She could destroy a stuffed toy before we even got out of the store with it. But destroyed or not, she would play with it anyway. If she wasn't getting enough attention, she would come into the computer room and put one leg over my lap and lay her very heavy head on my lap. That was her way of being held.
I found her as a runaway dog and then the owner relinquished her to me. She was to fill the void that Hope left, mostly for Hero. It didn't work out that way. They fought. But she filled the void for me when Hero passed. I could reach over on the bed and still pet a very large dog as she was sleeping. She made me feel secure and peaceful. She slept so sound at night. Hadia, thank you for raising up Lovey. You taught her many ways to be a dane in this house. You were so patient with her, it shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. She loved you, as I did, and we both miss you terribly. I cant believe you are gone only 2 months after Hero. You have left yet another giant hole in my heart. I don't know if there is much left of it. I was so proud of you. You were a better 'person' than the vet that refused to help you at the end. Thankfully there were others who truly cared about you, and there were several with you at the end. Im a better person for knowing you. I learned that things don't always stay the same and I can adapt. To take a break and sit in the sun now and then. To give someone a kiss just because. And gifts come in all sorts of packages, and some we don't appreciate until they are gone.
Sleep sound my 'Baby Girl'
Just Mommy
.........for those of us who have to make a sudden unexpected decision about the lives of our best friends, this poem is for us........
~THE GIFT~
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.
Author Unknown
I adopted Hadia. Please read the poem below and adopt your next best friend:
"I Adopted Your Dog Today"
The one you left at the pound
The one you had for seven years
and no longer wanted around.
I adopted your dog today
Do you know he's lost weight?
Do you know he's scared and depressed
and has lost all faith?
I adopted your dog today.
he had fleas and a cold,
but don't worry none.
You've unburdened your load.
I adopted your dog today.
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies or was
there no reason he couldn't stay?
I adopted your dog today.
he doesn't play or eat much
He's very depressed, but
he will learn again to trust.
I adopted your dog today.
And here he will stay.
He's found his forever home
and a warm bed on which to lay.
I adopted your dog today.
And I will give him all that he could need.
Patience, love, security, and understanding.
Hopefully he will forget your selfish deed.
