It was December 17, 2003. Ramon & I were newly married and decided on this night to walk into a pet store for fun. We had previously discussed some time in the future getting a dog as we both agreed they were wonderful additions to a family. I wasn't prepared for what I would find when I walked in. In the corner window there were 5 or 6 Golden Retriever puppies. I saw this sweet 8 week old female and I immediately asked if I could hold her. They brought us into a space where we could hold her and play with her. It was love at first sight. She stole our hearts. But, here was the catch. We were newly married, broke, and she was $699. My heart was crushed as we walked out of the store and into our car. I sat in the car with my head down. Ramon looked at me and said, "You really fell in love with her, didn't you? .... let's go back inside..."
An hour and an empty bank account later, our hearts were filled with joy as we brought our new puppy home. I'll never forget the first night she came home with us. She cried all night in her crate. I couldn't wait to return home from work the next day so I could play and snuggle with her. From the beginning she filled our home and our lives with joy.
As she grew older, she remained loyal and obedient. She loved her tennis ball. She could play fetch all day long with that tennis ball. She loved to swim. She loved life and she loved us. Unconditionally.
When our children came into the world she was so sweet and patient. The boys would torment her, pull on her ears and tail, poke her eyes, stick their hands everywhere on her body and she just laid there. It was almost as if she just enjoyed their attention, no matter what kind of attention it was. Lexi was a people pleaser. She never met a stranger. She stole the hearts of my friends and neighbors as she wagged her tail and plopped herself on their laps just begging to be pet and loved. She did this trick where she would get up on her hind legs with her front paws in the air and hug you. Everyone who met her loved her. She really was the BEST dog in the world.
On August 28th, 2011, at 8 years old, Lexi got very sick and passed away. It happened quickly and was and still is the biggest devastation our family has ever experienced. Lexi left a heartprint on our souls. She will always be in our hearts and we will miss her every single day. I put together a tribute to Lexi and wanted to share it.
2 comments:
Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry. I could tell just from your blog how much you loved her. I hope your hearts can all heal quickly.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is devastating. They are family. Our family was forever changed by our sweet pups. I know you will always have special place in your heart for sweet Lexi. There will be moments in your life that will bring a sweet smile to your face just remembering the love you have for that darling dog. The pain will lessen and because of your bond, your memories will always be welcome and precious. Once again, I ache for you. We lost our two dogs just a year apart and no one could have ever prepared me for the heartache. But the love I have for them is stronger than any pain I feel. That is what gets you through.
Post a Comment