Lydia – November

She wasn’t an energetic dog, but more my speed. We were similar in a lot of ways. She could be bossy and stubborn, but laid-back and loving. I was her whole world and she was mine. I joked with people that I had more photos of her in my phone than my own children. Jane Goodall in an interview said that primates were not her favorite animals, surprisingly. She said dogs were because they’re loyal and love you unconditionally. It was difficult when she got older, but her and I were willing to make changes in our life to accommodate her. I could see that she was happy and still enjoyed those things that dogs enjoy, greeting people, my company, last bite of anything I was eating and sitting on the porch. Two nights ago she collapsed. I thought she wasn’t breathing and rushed her to the hospital. Her heart was giving up. I told her she was beautiful and a good dog and that I loved her very much. I held her little paw as she left this world. I prayed to God to take care of my sweet girl. There’s a huge void, an emptiness that you feel when you love something and it is no longer there. I just hope she knows how much I love her.

Photos