Late in 2008, a scared, neglected and nameless Shih Tzu was found wandering in Arkansas. He was missing an eye, had a broken jaw, was heartworm positive and in serious need of a bath and haircut. A local rescue there reached out to the New Beginnings and Friends Shih Tzu rescue in Milwaukee asking if anyone could provide him a loving home. As soon as I saw his picture and heard his story, I knew that he was meant to come to Milwaukee and live with me, Tulsa, Franklin and Oscar. I named him Virgil Hiltz after Steve McQueen’s character in the movie,
‘The Great Escape.’
After undergoing several surgeries to repair the missing eye socket and heartworm treatment, Virgil arrived in Milwaukee in January of 2009. For months, he had to remain in a crate while he recovered from heartworms, only being able to come out to eat, drink and go to the bathroom as he was still sick and was not supposed to get excited. Despite this, I would sneak him out of the crate and lay down on the couch with him on my chest which begin a tradition we called “Cuddle Time,” one that we continued almost every night.
For 7 years, Virgil was my shadow. I used to say that if I ever couldn’t find myself I would just look for Virgil and there I’d be. He never let having only one eye or missing teeth or any of the neglect and abuse he suffered in the past affect him. Virgil was the happiest little dog I had ever seen, always wagging his tail and looking to cuddle. Even after he went blind in his remaining eye, he always knew when it was dinnertime, where to go and would bark at me non-stop until I put his food bowl down. He would even pace around our apartment until he found me and then wait to be picked-up as he always wanted to be near me.
Sadly, Virgil had to cross the Rainbow Bridge where is reunited with Tulsa and Franklin.
Sleep well little boy. You were very much loved, wanted and cherished. No matter how bright of a light I am standing in, I will forever be without my shadow.
Until we meet again and can have Cuddle Time for all eternity …
With Love,
| Virgil |
| 17, Mar 2016 |
| Donald |