April Malinowski
On Saturday, April 16, 2016 the Daisy-Care family lost a member. Colleen, who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure a year prior, had a medical emergency that morning and could not be stabilized. So we had to make the decision to let her go so we could be with her and she would not have to struggle for breath any longer. Although we knew this time would come I was not ready. I am sure we are never really ready to say goodbye to our loved ones but I wrote this letter to her and I hope she knows how much she meant to me.
On Saturday, April 16, 2016 the Daisy-Care family lost a member. Colleen, who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure a year prior, had a medical emergency that morning and could not be stabilized. So we had to make the decision to let her go so we could be with her and she would not have to struggle for breath any longer. Although we knew this time would come I was not ready. I am sure we are never really ready to say goodbye to our loved ones but I wrote this letter to her and I hope she knows how much she meant to me.
Dear
Colleen, my sweetest best friend,
When
you and your litter mates were old enough to be adopted I came to see, but you
weren’t part of the group and I didn’t find a good match. I was told there was
one more puppy, the pick of the litter, a little girl that the man’s wife
wanted to keep but they couldn’t since they already had 3 dogs. He told me I
could have her but I must agree to take her right then, sight unseen. That little puppy
was you and taking a chance on you was one of the best decisions I have ever
made.
We have
been through a lot these last 15 years – seven address changes, three jobs, two
degrees, a marriage and divorce – but you stuck by my side a loyal friend who
never complained about all the change that went on as long as you were with me.
I loved our hikes together and trips to the park. How when you were still tiny
you would sleep on my chest after a good romp outside. You were so easy to
train, so smart, you made me feel like the best dog trainer in the world!
I loved
your little quirks. How you would sigh loudly, annoyed, if I made noise after
bedtime. How you had a specific path to walk the yard you never deviated from.
How you always barked an objection if it looked like I would leave you behind.
How you would skip along the patio when I got home – even when you were in your
senior years. How you actually smiled when someone would talk sweet to you and
when I would kiss the top of your nose. How you frolicked in the water like a
puppy at Pedernales Falls when you were 12 years old.
You
lived a happy, full life with lots of adventures and great naps by my side. I
love you dearly and I hope I was good at showing you that you meant the world
to me.
Love,
April
