I still remember the day you came home with us. It was Matt’s birthday, and we were all so excited to add such a beautiful Irish Setter so full of personality to our family. I was 12 and getting you was the most wonderful thing any little girl could ever ask for. I slept on the floor with you for weeks until you stopped crying and became comfortable with us. But this was never a burden. Every second I spent with you added so much to my life.
You became most obedient to dad, had the most consistent and loving care from mom, and loved to fool around with Matt as he foolishly teased you, but you were always my dog. From all the treats I would always sneak you, our long morning walks on my paper route in the winter, your days of dog showing, and just playing bally, you always made me feel like I was the most important person in the world to you, as you did with anyone. But I knew I was the special one.
I knew from the look on your face when you and I would go to the beach together and you would just run for hours. This was when you were at your happiest, and I’m glad I’m the one who gave that to you.
During my difficult time of crossing over from being a child to an adult, you were my most loyal and best, loving friend. And then, when I was 18, I moved away to go to school. But I came home every weekend to see you and during the summers too. And you always were ecstatic to see me, whether I was gone one hour or one month. But, at the end of that degree, I had to make a very difficult decision in where to continue my education. Knowing you were getting old, I had to make a choice. But, the best opportunities were on the other side of the country. And so I went, so worried that you would think I left you,
but knowing you loved me unconditionally.
And then I came home at Christmas, 3 months after I left, and it was as if I never had. I got to spent a short but wonderful two weeks with you playing in the snow and you reverting to being my shadow once again. And then it was the summer, 9 more months, before I could make it home again, during which time you had started to deteriorate.
I prayed so much for you to be okay, and Mom would tell you every day how many more days until I came home. And when I finally arrived, it was again as if I never left. Besides being a little grayer, Mom said you were a changed dog. All the energy and life you had been lacking came back. It was as if there was nothing wrong. That was when we spent our last day at the beach together, for which is forever in my memory. And then I left again, promising you I’d see you again soon. I wish I had known that it was going to be on the other side. A few days after I left, I think you decided it was time to stop fighting.
I like to believe you were holding on for me, and once you got to see me, you decided you could let go and die happy. Mom and Dad had to make a very difficult decision, but I know it was right, and I wish with all my heart I could have been there. But Mommy held you and told you how much I loved you and I know you heard, like you always did. But going home now will never be the same.
You were the best friend
I could have ever asked for and
will leave a void in my heart forever.
Please know I never left you, and
that I was and am always with you.
I love you, my puppy.
Love,
| Findlay Family |