I was just a college student when I found you in the pet section of a large discount store. My boyfriend and I hadn’t planned on getting a dog, but when my eyes met yours, I knew we were meant to be together. You were a little black ball of fur and the cutest thing I’d ever seen. They said you were a cross between a Sheltie and a Terrier. You were only 2 months old, but you were so smart. You were house trained after only 2 accidents and you quickly learned every trick I ever tried to teach you.
After my boyfriend and I broke up, you came to live with me. You stayed with me through many, many more boyfriends, and moved with me to different apartments in different states. I would take you with me wherever I went and you always made friends with all the neighbors. You would wait for me patiently while I shopped at the local market and never strayed. You learned how to ride a surf board and a jetski.
What a fearless dog!
Eventually I got married and settled down. I started taking you to work with me every day and the customers would always talk to you and pat your head. When I had a baby, I was afraid you would get jealous. Instead, you became his protector. Should I have expected any less from such an incredible dog?
When you turned 13, you got very sick, you wouldn’t eat and didn’t want to move. I took you to the vet. He said you had a cancer. We weren’t ready to let you go yet, so took you home expecting the worst, but to our amazement you started feeling better and became your old self again. A few months later you became incontinent. You hated having accidents and even though I didn’t punish you because I know you couldn’t help it, you still became very upset with yourself whenever you had an accident. I was told that I couldn’t bring you to work anymore because of the accidents. I missed having you around all day. Soon you started losing weight. You were still pretty happy most days, but I knew the end was drawing near and I dreaded the very thought of saying goodbye.
On a sunny Saturday in May, my husband and I knew that this was the day to let you go. We couldn’t bear to watch you starve to death. I made an appointment with the vet and took you on one last walk around the neighborhood. You were so happy to go on the walk and I get torn up inside even now thinking about how deceptive I felt. You had no idea that this would be your very last walk with me.
I held you in my arms an whispered “I love you” in your ear as the vet administered the medication that stopped your heart from beating. I felt you take your last breath and then go limp in my arms. My husband and I sobbed inconsolably.
We have 5 children now and 3 other dogs, but you are always in my thoughts. No dog could ever take your place. You weren’t my pet, you were my best friend!
I love you forever Fyodor!
| Fyodor |
| Cheryl Capoocia |