Wow! December is here, and today I realize Violet’s birthday is on the 12th. She will celebrate her first birthday! She’s a big girl now, fully trained, filled with personally and a collection of fabulous sweaters and rhinestone necklaces. Where has the time gone? It seems as if it were only yesterday when I brought the little bundle of joy home, one that would heal my heart and give me unconditional love and kisses.
That said, although Miss Violet has undoubtedly brought me great joy, it’s bittersweet knowing that December also marked the final days of my other schnauzer, Corky. Violet was born on December 12th in West Virginia and Corky died in my arms two days, later. As if she had a greater plan, and knew that my endless love for her would somehow direct me to Violet. I know it makes no sense, but does life ever? In one way or another, separated by hundreds of miles, I would find my new little girl awaiting me. I was never looking to replace Corky, but my heart could not take the void and although it was full of love, loving another schnauzer was exactly what I needed to do. Violet’s photo was sent to me, then only days old, and it confirmed in my mind that my ability to love was still strong and could comfort me through my loss. Corky would want me to be happy and love again, and there are other dogs out there that could use a home. This thought sustained me till we were united on that glorious day in February. My heart was complete again and properly enough on Valentine’s Day.
Truth be told, this week a friend on Facebook sent me a message about the loss of her 14-year-old lab named Blue. Her pain was unbearable, and wanted to know when would she feel better, as she could not stop crying. It doesn’t take me very long to recall my feelings not too long ago. She reached out to me after reading my article: Saying Goodbye To The Unforgettable Corky Von Schhnorkenheimer, wondering if I would have some perhaps wise words and helpful insight during this painful experience.
I invited her to call me, and I could hear in her voice the passion, love and grief vibrating in every word she said. I wanted to put my arms around her and just hold her and thank her for loving a pet “till death do you part.” I told her “loving a pet and feeling the pain of the loss is a gift that you should cherish. Embrace it, as not everyone can be so lucky to experience what just happened in your life.” I truly believe to live life without such a loss is to not live life at all. We are a gift to our dogs just as our dogs are a gift to us. Unselfishly knowing when to let your pet go is a way to give that pet his or her dignity; that’s what my friend did for Blue. When you have a connection and you have a loss–someday in time you will look back at the pain and only feel the love and memories that you both shared.
As I write this with my little Violet on my lap, I wanted to thank Blue. Although I never met him, his death gave me once again great appreciation for my life, my schnauzer and those closest to me. Blue was not only a gift to his family but somehow he touches me too.
Miss Violet sends you a kiss to the sky where blue is everywhere for all of us to see.
