I Am An Animal Lover
I was Suzie's human. I've never had a dog that loved me more than Suzie. She came into my life at a crucial time. My husband had died unexpectedly, our son in high school and being heavily recruited for college, living in a tougher than average neighborhood. I would soon be alone in a big, old house when I began my search for a "rescue".
Craig's List, of all places, ended my search. My beautiful gal. My first smaller dog as well as my first female. She was two I was told by the owner who claimed he could no longer keep her. I long suspected she had been stolen and there was no doubt she was a pedigree. We were fast friends.
She soothed my anxious spirit with her calmness and soft paw that demanded petting. She forced me to slow down and sit quietly. We spent so much time alone and yet my four legged friend was always a comfort.
She made the move from one busy city to a much slower paced life. She actually adjusted much better to the move than I. Again, my anxious spirit was gently guided to a calmness and acceptance of no regret. Aging, we were both doing it and unconditional love making it easier for both of us.
The time came...dogs age differently. Her health failing, a heart that murmured and fluttered, hearing that became difficult, a bladder that could no long hold all it needed to. There seemed to be no pain, only humility. Even when the lump on her shoulder grew, she would run like the wind, barking, demanding whatever it was that grabbed her attention to be aware of her job to protect me. She never failed me. When the doctors spoke of a plan, it was then I said, no. Not my girl. She's had enough. She's not allowed to be in pain.
I held her until the end. Even then, as my tears fell, singing that song I sang everyday to her ("Oh girl, I'd be in trouble if you left me now..."), those beautiful eyes and that loving face gave me approval.
Funny how the dogs are called "rescues". To this day I'm not sure who rescued who. I miss her awful...my girl, my Suzie, her human.
Craig's List, of all places, ended my search. My beautiful gal. My first smaller dog as well as my first female. She was two I was told by the owner who claimed he could no longer keep her. I long suspected she had been stolen and there was no doubt she was a pedigree. We were fast friends.
She soothed my anxious spirit with her calmness and soft paw that demanded petting. She forced me to slow down and sit quietly. We spent so much time alone and yet my four legged friend was always a comfort.
She made the move from one busy city to a much slower paced life. She actually adjusted much better to the move than I. Again, my anxious spirit was gently guided to a calmness and acceptance of no regret. Aging, we were both doing it and unconditional love making it easier for both of us.
The time came...dogs age differently. Her health failing, a heart that murmured and fluttered, hearing that became difficult, a bladder that could no long hold all it needed to. There seemed to be no pain, only humility. Even when the lump on her shoulder grew, she would run like the wind, barking, demanding whatever it was that grabbed her attention to be aware of her job to protect me. She never failed me. When the doctors spoke of a plan, it was then I said, no. Not my girl. She's had enough. She's not allowed to be in pain.
I held her until the end. Even then, as my tears fell, singing that song I sang everyday to her ("Oh girl, I'd be in trouble if you left me now..."), those beautiful eyes and that loving face gave me approval.
Funny how the dogs are called "rescues". To this day I'm not sure who rescued who. I miss her awful...my girl, my Suzie, her human.
