April 2018

Let me tell you a story about my quiet soulmate and most wonderful companion for 7.5 years. My heartache is still fresh from her recent passing, and I want to fight that pain badly. I do not want to be without her or plan my days knowing she won’t be part of them. But I am fighting a battle I cannot win. Impermanence is a part of life, and while I can grieve her loss, I cannot undo it. The sadness is overwhelming and numbing at times, so instead of fighting it, let me tell you her story.

Sally, also known as Sally K., Sally Maus, mein Tiger, and The Queen, was born on February 11^th, 2018. She was in a litter of 11, with eight males and three females. Eight weeks later, I got to meet her. Sally was the one who came right to me, curious and playful, and I took her home. That is when our adventure began, on April 7^th, 2018. She threw up in the car on our way home, and it wouldn’t be the last time. She did not like car rides, no matter how long they were.

The first month with her was such a significant change to my life, a beautiful new experience. I took time off work to help her settle in and potty train her, which, thanks to a great dog trainer we found, we figured out in no time.

Now there is the pain again, as I remember that time vividly.

Sally was very curious to explore her new home in those short awake phases she had. Then she passed out on me again. I could not take my eyes off her. Because, for one thing, she was adorable, and, for the other, she was a puppy getting herself into all kinds of impossible situations. Once I went back into the office, she got to goof around with Lee, and I was able to come home during my days as well to check in on her.

#sallysstory