my girl

Libbyloo 1998 - 2009

my dear girl, this photo was taken just last week. you led the way on our walk in the woods and when you went too far out of the way, we called you back and you ran toward us excitedly, your tail wagging behind you. this is who you were, independent, with a mind of your own, feisty - but loyal and devoted through and through. you gave us 11 years of happiness and friendship and love and laughter. how lucky we were that you were our dog, you made our lives better and we will never forget you - the way you motioned with your head to the pantry when you wanted a treat, how you "yelled" at mom when you wanted more food, how you trotted happily alongside dad on a walk, how you sat for hours in the garage and in the driveway watching nothing everything. the ups man will miss your greeting and so many of our friends will miss how you nuzzled your head between their knees to say hello. i will miss all of you - your tail thumping against the hardwood floor when you hear me get out of bed, the look of recognition on your face when i walked through the door, your paw pushing on my arm, asking me to keep petting you, your pink tongue and the overgrown tufts of blond fur. you were a wild puppy. so full of energy, chewing on everything, such a change from our docile golden before. i had begged for you, pleaded to get a golden puppy and i was determined that we would all love you as much as we had with Maho. and now 11 years later, you have left your mark - we adored you. what more could we have asked for than so many good years with you, knowing we gave you a wonderful life and in return, your unwavering love and companionship. i knew we were at the end last weekend and i spent so many moments with you, telling you i loved you, scratching you behind the ears and letting you know that you were a good girl. i cried then too, smelled you and felt you, memorizing you and starting to let go. you knew that i was saying goodbye and this week, you were ready to go. mom and dad wouldn't let you hurt for even a second and this morning, it was time for us to let you go. we won't focus on these days, we will try not to - we will remember and honor you as the strong-willed, beautiful girl that you were for over a decade. we are so lucky, so blessed for our years together and i promise not to forget that - you.

Libby girl, thank you. you will always be my sweet girl and i love you so.