[Gaige]

It’s been a little over a week since my dog Holly passed on. It was about 3 years ago on an early Saturday afternoon when I received a call from my parents. They had just headed out for the day when they came across a little dog wandering down the middle of a busy road near their house. After picking her up from the side of the road I was able to get her into the vet that same day. She was malnourished, had hair loss on her head and tail due to flea bites, had a yeast infection in her ears, bad teeth, mammary lumps, a lump on her side AND she was blind. The vet could only estimate her age as “ancient”. The flea problem and yeast infection were treated immediately but the dental and biopsy on the lumps had to wait until I fattened her up some. The lumps turned out to be cancer as did the lump on her side. She had the side lump and mammary chains removed and had her dental work. For the first 6 months or so she always walked around with her head down just as she did when I found her. As time passed she lifted her head and walked with confidence. She had a strong, independent personality. She didn’t NEED me but she liked having me around. I, on the other hand, was not long out of a long term relationship and she was just what I needed. I loved coming home in the morning to get a kiss or two from her. She was stingy with those kisses which made them even more special to me. Some mornings I didn’t get any but I still annoyed her with my kisses and hugs. I know secretly she loved it. I’m grateful for the time I had with her and I miss her.