You Mattered!

When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul. ~ A.D. Williams

Dear Lolly,

Today we had a journey together. It was not the journey I imagined we would have so soon. It was only last Saturday that I scooped you up in my arms and carried you home. You see, I loved you from the minute I read about you. It was something in that shelter post that drew me in, inviting me to come closer. Maybe it was “the tiny little beagle with a tumor the size of a softball” that did it. All I know is that I had to meet you.

That Saturday I couldn’t wait to show you your new home. We walked outside, and you immediately put your nose in the fresh air, sniffing deeply. Then you did what beagles love to do — follow your nose. I think you sniffed every inch of grass! Remember when we walked the stone path until we crested the hill? You immediately spotted a deer; your ears went up, and your tail started wagging. I loved seeing you so perky.

And oh, what a girly-girl you were — a Southern belle! You moseyed your way around, gently touching flowers and noticing the birds. I could just imagine you sitting on a front porch, enjoying a lovely breeze against your fur.

Lolly, I wasn’t prepared when your body took a nose-dive so soon. But we were in this together, and we went to work fast, trying to outrun the infection and damage to your body. You were a trooper, allowing me to give you meds even though you didn’t feel like it. And you kindly took bites of food from my hand though you weren’t hungry. You always looked at me with such grateful eyes — soulful eyes I will never forget.

On Wednesday, only five days after you had come, you gently slipped away in my arms. I cried watching you go. Yet I knew you had gotten what you came for — to experience unconditional love and kindness and to have a quiet, safe place to release your spirit. You didn’t die in a shelter like your kennel mate did.

It was too soon, Lolly, but I cherished every moment together and would do it all over again. You mattered to me; you mattered to us all. Run free, Miss Lolly. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your love with us all.

Sending you lots and lots of love,
-Tami