The Good and the Bad

Some days are good and bad all at the same time. I have been happily anticipating an anniversary trip to California with my hubby. Today is my last day of work for the week. I also found out that I have been accepted to Rare Book School this summer which is also awesome. Today seemed like it would be a very good day.

Unfortunately I received some bad news. My mom's dog died today. Actually my mom had her put to sleep. I knew this day would come and have been dreading it for a long time. Any pet owner knows the deep sorrow that goes with losing your pet. Some people find it peculiar, but it really is like losing a human loved one. I still mourn for all of my pets. Still this one is more significant because Little Bit was my mom's last link to my dad. She was there with my mom while my dad died. She protected my father's body when the paramedics tried to touch  him. She would not leave his side. My mom finally had to lock her in the bathroom so they could get to him. Even then she threw herself against the door trying to get out.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Little Bit saved my mom's life. She was there for mom when she suffered the blackest days after my dad passed. She was there for her when I could not be. She really was the sweetest little dog and my guff, tough daddy enjoyed and loved this little bit of fluff every bit as much as my mom. I lost something today too. Every time I saw this dog I was reminded of my dad, and the joy and comfort she has brought my mother since we lost him. She has been a wonderful companion for my grandmother as well.  I know she must be heartbroken as well. I will never be able to thank Little Bit enough for being a loving companion for my family.

Life can be so wonderful and terrible all at the same time. No matter how much I may want things to stay just  as they are life is always moving forward and nothing can live forever. It is cruel how much love and happiness our pets can give us only to have their lives be so much shorter than ours. Still I'd rather take the good with the bad instead of having nothing at all.

RIP Tess

Tess (aka Tessie, Tess-Tess, Tesser, Mrs. Tesserson, Mrs. T., Birdie, Bitchly, Queenie, Mrs. Tessie the Christmas Poodle, etc.) departed from this life today. She died in the arms of Mimi Carolyn who was so graciously taking care of her while Tyler and went out of town. We are so very glad that she was able to spend her final days with Carolyn and Ralph who loved her as much as we did. Tess was such a peculiar dog and did not take to people right away. She was abused early in her life so that probably had a lot to do with it. However, once she took to you she loved you. She loved to curl up in your lap and snuggle, always ran to the pantry when it opened expecting a treat, and drove us crazy splashing in her water dish. She was a sweet little dog and I will miss her terribly.