Archive for April, 2011

My Inspiration, My Friend, My Love, My Hero

April 18th, 2011 by Elizabeth

On February 12th, 1997 I walked into the North Miami Beach Animal Shelter in search of a special puppy. Little did I know that I would end up finding one of the best friends of my life.

Actually, I should say that she found me. I had been scanning all of the cages, saying ‘hi’ to many sweet furry pups, but when I approached one particular cage, this cute furry ball came bounding toward the cage door as soon as she saw me. That was it. I was hooked…and so was she.

As we drove home that day to start our new life together, we were both beside ourselves with excitement. That was the beautiful beginning to an amazing relationship with one of the most special, loving animals I have ever known.

Sadly, we had our final drive together Wednesday night as I brought her to the vet to take her out of her pain and help her to move on to the next phase of her journey. As you have read in my previous posts, my dear sweet Pebbles had been attacked by what she called the cancer monster. We had chosen to have her left front leg amputated in December to keep her with us for as long as possible as she was still fully enjoying her life.  After the surgery she was doing so well–hopping around, eating up tons of chicken and carrots, and loving life. But then a couple of weeks ago I noticed that her breathing had changed. We visited our (amazing!) vet Dr. Jody and she took an x-ray of Pebbles chest. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread fully to her lungs. We knew then it was just a matter of time. So we just continued loving, playing, and having special treats and even more special moments.

She was such an amazing Warrior. So strong, never giving up until she just couldn’t stand on her own any more.  And even then she fought hard. She never whimpered, whined or complained once. She is my inspiration, my friend, my love, my hero. I still can’t believe she is no longer here.

She had a wonderful life filled with digging holes, chasing squirrels, hiking in the mountains of Massachusetts, California, and the red rocks of Sedona, dining on juicy carrots and tender chicken,  living in 4 states, helping to chase a bear up a tree, licking juice-stained roasting pans, being an older sister to two younger brothers she loved, experiencing the United States countryside as we drove 3000 miles across from East to West, walking in the desert, lying on the beach, playing with other dogs, puppies, and cats, swimming in a pond, getting groomed, being spoiled beyond belief, and being loved and cherished as the Queen that she was. She was Love personified.

I will never forget my special girl. She has touched many a heart, not just mine. She taught me to love deeply, to smile and laugh whenever possible, to find joy in everything and in every moment, and to never ever give up.

Here’s to you my beauty. I will love you forever.