Emily
My Dear Emily Dawn,
What a precious pup you were. Little did I know 13+ years ago how you would crawl into my heart and take over. Where did that red poodle come from? A color like I had never seen before but one that stole my heart and everyone else's. Born in the country on Mother's Day and moved to the city you were a dog without limits. Playing ball for hours on end, when poodles weren't supposed to know how to play ball. You sure showed the doubters. Going so far as to take your dolly on a trip with Dr. Krista to see a specialist. Ball in hand (or should I say mouth) you were ready to tackle the world. And tackle you did, with a spirit of love and devotion that was over the top.
From day one, you had the oddest of illnesses. Nothing was textbook where you were concerned. But each new ailment you took in your doggy stride. Always happy, always smiling, that big smile of yours. Nothing mattered as long as you were with your human mommy or one of the "aunties" who loved you like there was no tomorrow. And you, special you, loved them right back with all your dog heart. Sharing your world with your best poodle buddy, Kate for so many years was incredible to see. You were so devoted to her. I will never forget how Kate would let you crawl and snip and tug no matter what you did to her, she let you get away with it. And how cute you were walking underneath like she was a towering bridge dressed in a black poodle suit.
Sometimes you were a little confused if you should bark or meow. Sharing you home with 4 cats was a lot of fun, and having a momma cat who treated you just like one of her kittens didn't seem to bother you. You always knew you were the special red poodle who everyone loved.
What a wonderful life we had together, the years passed so quickly. When did you start to slow down? When did you start to fail? The time went by so fast I barely noticed. And then we had a short reprieve, a "wild" rescue terrier puppy, Jessie Owen, came into our lives. You had a new best friend again and played like a puppy. Despite your failing eyesight the two of you romped and played like you had a 1000 tomorrows. Your youthfulness was found again.
I was almost able to forget how sick you really were. But soon reality reared its ugly head and I knew I was going to have to make the hardest decision a pet mom must make. I prayed God would take you in your sleep, it wasn't meant to be. Soon all your ailments caught up with you and I could not deny the fact that you had reached the end of dog kisses for me, and there were be no more beautiful Emily smiles for me or dog sugar, in your tired body. My heart breaking, I knew no other choice lay before me but to let your tired body have some rest. I'm grateful I had time for a final goodbye and your extended family was able to shower you with their last kisses of love and help send you on the next leg of your journey from this place to the heavenly home that awaits all of God's creatures. Your final moments could not have been more peaceful, our dear friends at Tri-City making the most of a terrible situation. All the staff there to greet and give their condolences' as we came thru the door. And all our thanks to Dr. Morhaus for making a terrible task as peaceful as it could be.
My precious "Emily", "Em", "Little Red", "Emma Pup", and a myriad of nicknames you answered to. You were special, are special, and will always be special in my heart of hearts and I will hold you dear always.
Your devoted Mom