It sounds silly when I say it out loud, but some of my best friends have been dogs.
I am a great listener when someone needs to talk, I will always want to listen. However, when it comes to myself I don't usually rely on humans to listen, instead I turn to my canine companions. I take care of so many pets, a lot of them quite frequently, and over time they have all listened to me when I need them most.
One of my most cherished "besties" name was "Angel". I met Angel in October of 2016 while I was working at a veterinary hospital. She had gotten very sick while she was on vacation with her family, Jody and John. So sick that she needed emergency surgery at Cornell. In order for her to recover and heal, she needed a very strict medical regimen. Every 6 hours she needed her medicine. Jody was able to give it morning and evening, and after meeting her we decided I would come over for a visit in the afternoon.
She gave me the code to get into her house and I began visiting Angel. We would walk around the yard. I made sure I had treats in my hand to keep her following me. I'd give her a treat with her medicine and I'd be on my way. This happened for a few weeks, 4 times a week. When the medicine was all gone Jody asked me if I wouldn't mind continuing with visits. She was worried that Angel needed to potty during the work day and said Angel enjoyed my visits. So I did!
I continued visiting Angel four times a week for 2 years! Walking and running around the yard and many many belly rubs. I moved away to Vermont for 5 months and missed her very much. She was my buddy I visited every day and talked to. When I had a sad or bad day at work, she would be there to comfort me. After winter I returned home and I started visiting her again; it felt like I had never left! We'd snuggle on her little couch and I would rub her belly. She made these cute grumbles whenever I woke her from a deep sleep and made sure to look at me that certain way for another treat. We became the best of friends; my day wasn't complete without visiting her.
As time went on, of course she aged. She was so strong but her appetite began to shift. Now I should mention her owners Jody and John would and did do anything for beautiful Angel. From cooking rice and chicken to buying Timbits so she would eat. She lived a wonderful life full of so much love. Angel held a very special place in my heart and so did Jody and John. I felt like part of their family.
Unfortunately the fateful day came where she would no longer stand and did not want to eat. The tough choice was made and the veterinarian made a special house call for the sweetest old lady. I was on my way to work that morning when Jody called me and told me it was "time". I was able to visit her one last time, give her a few last belly rubs, and say goodbye to my sweet friend.
Okay, now that I have stopped crying and mopped up the tears on the keyboard, I can tell you that I am beyond grateful for my friend Angel and my new family Jody and John. Not only did they support me financially, but they have included me in holidays, pool parties, and we catch up every couple months. They have since adopted another lab and I hope I will be lucky enough to befriend her like I did Angel.
Love you sweet Angel girl!
Comments