A dogs love is unconditional. Especially when you’re little.
I remember being so excited when my dad said we could get a little chihuahua/dachshund mix puppy. We promised to love her, take care of her and he wouldn’t have to do a thing.
I remember taking her away from her mama. Her mama cried for her back. She was the runt of the litter and only as big as my palm. At the time I was only allowed to hold her with supervision because she was so fragile. We named her Angel after my grandma looked at her and said, “She’s a little angel isn’t she?”
I loved her the moment I saw her. I grew up with her. We grew up together. I took her on walks until she refused to walk any more. At that point, I carried her in my arms and laughed at how lazy she was. She loved everyone she met. Her little tail wagged every time I came home from school.
I would sit in school so happy to go home and see her. When I walked through the door, I’d take her in my arms and tell her I missed her. Angel and I were best friends.
Angel was there for me on my good and bad days. The good days she’d be outside with me running around. The not so good she would lick away my tears.
Today she’s a little over 16 1/2 years old. Today was her last day I could love her on earth. She was so elderly. She struggled to walk as her back legs gave out. Mostly blind and deaf but she still knew who I was. Her bark was weak as it made her cough worse. Her seizures worsened and we knew she was ready to go. That was no life and she would never leave the pack on her own.
How do you say goodbye to the dog who loved you your whole childhood into adulthood? A love like that is painful to let go of. But you know it’s time.
I held her in my arms as she licked away my tears for the last time. I told her she was going to be okay. She would be happier. I thanked her for a lifetime of love.
And somehow here I sit having said goodbye to my childhood best friend. I used to sit in bed wondering how I’d ever be able to do it. And today, I did. I said goodbye for the last time.
A dogs love is endless. It was last me a lifetime. Such a little dog, with such a big heart.
See you on the flip side, little one. I’ll remember you forever and love you always.
All my love,
Talesha