I bought Hershey for my mother as a Christmas gift 51/2 years ago. She was a precious black cock-a-poo. Unknown to me at that point, but my mother was on the brink of Alzheimer’s disease. We tried the typical treatment, but Hershey proved to be the best medicine and companion anyone could ask for.
She withstood endless hours of being carried and learning the routine of the household. As the disease progressed, so did Hershey’s tenacity to help mother by barking when she was doing something totally wrong. She led the way for my mother and mother learned to follow Hershey’s lead. She worked hard to keep mother on track. Hershey was very protective of my mother always watching over her. We became best buddies over the past five years.
I would play with her every day giving her a break from work and she loved me with all her heart. I would play on the floor with her and she would nestle her little body against mine rolling on her side giving me hugs. She had the longest tongue you have ever seen. With this she would give me air kisses. After I brushed her I would tell her what a pretty puppy she is and she would just glow and wag her tail. When she got tickled, she would run through the house a hundred miles an hour, her little legs moving so fast you couldn’t even see them.
When I sat down, she would come be by my side. And she waited for me patiently when I was doing a chore around my mother’s house or my own. It was this love that would prove to be our undoing. A week ago as I went to pick up mother and Hershey for lunch as I do every day, Hershey, mother, and her care-giver were on the front porch. In a moment of haste, I pulled in the drive as Hershey was running to greet me. I thought they were all on the porch and didn’t even see Hershey come out. Well, we collided and Hershey sustained injuries.
After care in our home town, my daughter and I transported Hershey to a ER vet hospital in Colorado Springs. She was badly injured, but we were hoping she would pull through. Facing the possibility that she would be paralyzed, we pulled out all stops to help her survive, but to no avail. Hershey passed on the next afternoon. Her little heart had given all it could give. Now, my heart is breaking with every beat, that my precious Hershey is no longer with us.
I regret not bringing Hershey to live with me. Since her passing, I find that my mother doesn’t remember having a pet. Which in itself is a blessing I suppose, since she was her first love and companion. I remain forever grateful to my darling Hershey for the countless smiles she so unselfishly gave to my family. I love you Hershey and miss you deeply.
Everlasting love,
| DEBBIE YOB |