Picture by Geoff Stanley
Diane's Tribute To Missy
Picture by Geoff Stanley
I have so many memories of Missy to find the most special would be impossible, so here are just a few.
I remember the day we first saw her. Right before Christmas in a pet shop window. I never thought I would ever want a dog even though we always had them when I was a kid. I had my cats. I felt there was no room in my heart for a dog. That was until I saw this tiny black and brown puppy in the window. It was not just because she was cute or because she was so tiny. It was because I loved her the first time I set eyes on her. After talking about it over lunch the little hairball came home with us with her inside my jacket. I remember thinking it was quite a way home. I hoped she did not have to "go."
I remember saying to Geoff how I could not wait until she was big enough to be able to walk around the Mill Pond here in town. He said she would never be up to it. It would not be long until she proved him wrong. The little thing had so much heart she would walk and walk until WE dropped and still want more. On the other hand if we were too busy to take her for a walk she would be happy just laying around at home or sniffing around the yard. During her lifetime I took Missy for most of her walks. It's just not the same without her.
I remember her love for the small, brown rawhide shows. The large ones had no interest for her, nor did the small white ones. She knew what she liked. She was always very picky. She would run around the room, throwing them in the air, trying to catch them as they came down. She never did, but that did not stop her from trying. When she tired herself out she would lay and chew on them for hours, often falling asleep in mid-chew.
I remember how funny she was after she had, had a bath. Running around like a crazy thing. Scooting her head and butt along the floor at a great rate of speed. Rolling around and simply going nuts. She loved her baths so much.
I remember how Geoff always used to complain about how I would let her sit on my lap. I think pretty much every picture I have of me and her she's sitting on me. She loved to snuggle up and sleep on me. Looking back at her photo's though there's more than a fair share of them with her sat on HIS lap!
I remember how she loved the snow. Even though she was so small the more snow the better for her. She would stick her head in it and run along like a snow plough. Often she would be full of chunks of ice before you could get her in.
I remember her love for chasing cats. She loved the ones who did not hiss at her, but she was having no hissing in her direction. One hiss and she would chase them until she could run no more.
Lucky and Smokey (Grayson) learned the lesion fast. They soon became close friends with Missy. They would sleep together, wash each other and towards the end the cats would even bring her food. Lucky is now as devastated as I am that she's no longer here.
On the other hand Moe, Patches and Molly never learned the trick of working their way into her affections. They insisted on hissing at her so Missy teased them relentlessly.
I remember the day we found out she was sick. 6 months up to 3 years if we were lucky we were told. I knew right them that it would not be that long. I was so close to that dog I knew she was dying. I was right. It was less than 2 months. 2 long hard moths for the both of us, but of course more so for her.
I remember the vomiting and how she would get scared. I remember the time I'm sure she had a seizure in the back yard. I remember when she stopped eating. I remember buying just about every type of food going to try and get her to eat. I remember the sleepless nights when I stayed with her trying to feed her and just being there if she needed me. I remember the first fluid treatment and how happy I was when it seemed to have worked. I remember the pain a few days later when deep down I know this reprieve would only be brief when she stopped eating again within just days.
I remember the second fluid treatment and knowing it had not worked even before Dr. John told me. I remember the last night sitting up with her knowing in my heart of hearts it would be the last time. I remember Dr. John calling and confirming that the treatment had not worked. He offered a different treatment that may prolong, but nothing else. I remember saying through my tears, "it's time isn't it?" I remember him saying "yes."
I remember paging Geoff to come home in blind panic and getting Mark up to say "Good Bye." I remember insisting she went in the van, not the old car. I wanted her to travel in style. I remember her digging her feet in and not wanting to do. I'm sure she knew. She always loved to go out any other time. I remember a calmness coming over me as we entered the vets. I could not sign the form. Geoff had to do that. I remember Dr. John asking if we wanted to stay. I remember saying I did not want to, but I had promised her we would. She never left me when I needed her. I would not leave her when she needed me. I remember her almost falling as the procedure started, but Dr. John caught her. I remember telling her I loved her as the anesthetic went in. I remember Dr. John leaving us alone with her for her final seconds. I remember rubbing her nose between her eyes. The thing she loved the most. I remember telling her I loved her and always would. I remember saying to Dr. John I thought she was gone because she was not breathing. A quick check proved I was right.
I remember little else about that day. It was a day I would rather forget. I do know I called Gary to tell him and our friend Martin. I e-mailed some special friends who had been so supportive during the difficult weeks before and remain so today. I remember I cried for hours without end. I still do.
Missy, thank you for all of the love and friendship you gave. I'll always miss you. Even though we are thinking of getting another puppy soon you will always be my #1. We could never replace you, nor would we try. It's just the home is so empty without you. I know you would want us to share our love with another canine the way we did with you.
Rest in peace my baby. I'll always love you.
Until we meet again. Love Mum XXX