Brandy by Lee and Melissa Oswald / Mommy

Dearest Brandy,

My big beautiful red Labrador Retriever, who graced my life with your presence, I miss you so. You were my “first child”.

You came into our lives at just five weeks old, weighing only five pounds. We traveled with you in the truck over a thousand miles in the first two days that we had you. The first night that you spent away from your brothers and sisters, you were so lonely. You woke me up whimpering by the bed so I got myself out of the bed and slept with you under my arms.

You spent the next 12 years, two weeks and five days being one of the best friends I could ever have. You only barked when you were happy or as a warning. When I was angry you would always try to make me laugh. When I cried you would lick away my tears. When I was sick you would stay by my side.

You would play relentlessly. Up until the month before you left us you would run and play like you were still two years old. No matter where we were living as long as you had your tennis ball, and we had a racket you were happy.

Though of course having a body of water to swim in made you even happier. And though you swam in so many different places in this country-your favorite place to swim was in your Grandpaw’s backyard. I’m not sure which one of the two of you loved the other more. The two of you were thick as thieves. He spoiled you rotten. Steak Saturday, your own pizza, hamburgers, and all the pigs’ ears a dog could even want. How many times did I laugh at Christmas to find pigs ears dangling from the trees in the yard? When Grandpaw came over you would be so happy that you would shake all over in delight, and if you were left outside you would sit by his car hoping that he would take you home. It pains me so much knowing how much he misses you-and I know that you miss him just as much.

I knew that you were getting up there in years, but I just did not believe that you were ready to leave us. When you got sick, I thought for sure that you would still be fine. I am so sorry that I did not do more for you sooner. I feel as though I let you down.

Had I known that when I gave you your bath after your swim in the goose pond, that it was to be my last, I would have spent more time with you.

The last night that you were with us I slept by your side just like I did the first night you graced my life. I tried so hard to keep myself from crying, as it was my time to comfort you.

When Grandpaw and I put you in the truck, that drive was the hardest I have ever done. When I looked in my rearview mirror, your head was not leaning out the window catching the summer breeze and smells.

I then held you in my arms looked in your eyes and tried to take the comfort that you were giving me. I told you that it was okay, that you were the best dog ever, and that I would love you always. I heard you sigh, and felt the life force leaving your body, and though I heard Dr Dave tell me “he’s gone”, I could not let go until I felt your spirit leave and I closed your eyes.

I know that you know how much we all loved you. For you gave us that love back tenfold. And I know that you are in a better place now, there is no pain, and you can run and play and swim all that you want. But there is such an empty hole in my heart; I don’t see how it can ever mend.

We all miss you so Brandy.
Please watch over us from where you are.

 

All my love, always and forever,