From the day you arrived as a 4 week old pup to the day you left us, you were a treasure. Having been my first "second dog", I didn't know what to expect. You exceeded all expectations that anyone could have ever had. Five years ago, you became top of the pack, when your much loved Kiki died. I didn't want you to be alone so Winston was adopted because you seemed so fond of him. Shortly after she died, we increased your pack by one then two. A gentle but firm leader, you were more interested in what we thought than what you needed.

You never got old, you lived for 12 years and didn't slow down or get gray, not sick a day in your life, it was a shock two months ago to find out you had an inoperable tumor.

Those two months you got extra walks, and any treats you wanted and you played and smiled and enjoyed yourself, probably wondering why all the extras.

Once you started to cough and seemed uncomfortable, I made sure you did not suffer. Within 24 hours, I had you gently put to sleep forever while I sat with you on our family room floor.

Your pack stayed with you for hours, while you were bundled up in one of your favorite comforters.

I miss you so much. Life is not the same without. The thought that because you were a mixed breed black dog you would most likely have been killed if you ever ended up in a shelter, renews my vow to try and help the shelter dogs get the homes they so deserve. My focus is on stopping the senseless breeding while dogs as wonderful as you continue to die in shelters.

You came to me on the eve of our March on Washington in 1996 and you left me just 9 days after Puppy Mill Awareness Day 2008. You never complained that I was always busy, you just laid at my feet while I work on the computer and tried to help other animals. You were such as gift. My heart is truly broken because you are no longer here. I see you every time I turn around and look at the places you liked to sleep, but I know you are gone.

Be at peace my sweet girl.

Mommy and Daddy truly loved you.

 

Its hard to put into words how truly wonderful a dog she was. I don't need to explain to anyone who knew her. She had a reasoning mind. She was gentle, kind and gracious. All of that mixed up in a mid sized mixed breed who wasn't even top dog until 5 years ago.

Curley loved to carry things in her mouth usually paper, I used to ask her if she had a memo for me.

The Silence

The silence without you is deafening.
Even when we were totally quiet,
Even when sleeping,
I could hear and feel your presence.

There are so many sounds and sensations,
That were part of me and part of you.
Together in our coexistence.
Your breathing.
Your movement.
Your smell.
Your voice.
Your thoughts. Yes, sometimes I could
actually hear you thinking.

Now you are gone.
I look for you several times a day,
But you are not there.
I listen for you every moment,
Waiting for the confirmation of your being.
And realizing every moment,
That you are no longer here.

The silence is deafening.
I never could have imagined
The void that your death would cause.
All other sounds and sensations in my life
Continue uninterrupted.
They pale in comparison
To the silence of your absence.

(Author Unknown)