You came into my life unexpectedly but made my life extraordinary.
J and I were celebrating our first Christmas together in 2009. He was adamant about opening presents immediately, while I thought we needed hot cocoa and ambiance. He handed me a wrapped gift clearly in the shape of a bottle. I unwrapped it and it was dog shampoo. I was shocked. He ran out to his car and brought you inside. You were so tiny and fluffy and I thought J was crazy. I lived an hour and a half away in a friend’s house, who did not like dogs. But your big puppy eyes stole my heart and logistics didn’t matter. You were the best Christmas present ever.
I remember taking you to the park for the first time. You were so small that you rode in my lap. I wonder how many thousands of miles we walked together? You loved our walks and so did I. No matter the weather or whether the sun had risen, we ventured out. We saw deer, bunnies, squirrels, foxes, turtles, raccoons, opossums, and even a few bears. Your nose could locate any and all lost snacks in the parks and around town. We witnessed the changing seasons together for twelve years. You taught me to slow down while you investigated all the scents. I would have missed so much beauty in the world if it wasn’t for you.
You were my gardening companion and helped me build three gardens over your lifetime. You always kept me company and had your favorite spots where you could nap while keeping an eye on all activities. After napping, harvesting was the best part of the garden. Peas and corn were your favorites. As soon as I started picking peas, you would appear beside me and we would take turns eating them from the vines. You protected the garden by gallantly chasing away squirrels and deer and the melon-eating opossum.
We went on so many adventures. Camping trips to the mountains, the beaches, all the way north to New York and Vermont and west to Colorado. Because of your early morning walking routine, I got to see some of the most beautiful sunrises in these places. Sandy beaches and snow days gave you the zoomies. And the creeks, you loved the water, but only wading depth. You spent endless hours fishing and frogging in the creek. You also sniffed out every persimmon tree within a mile radius and would spend the autumn foraging for fruits. If you didn’t find any, I’d shake the trees to encourage fruit to fall.
You stayed with me through the hard times. When I thought I wouldn’t survive the divorce, you gave me a reason to keep going. You loved me unconditionally when I thought love wasn’t possible. Loneliness couldn’t contend with your constant presence. When the pandemic arrived I told you I needed you to stay with me even though the vets said you didn’t have much time, you defied odds and thrived. We spent the pandemic walking and gardening. I don’t know how I would have gotten through all that time at home without you beside me.
Everybody loved you. You were the kind of dog that people who didn’t like dogs liked. You were the epitome of a good boy. I say the best boy ever. You brightened everyone’s day when you came to school, making your rounds and expertly begging for snacks. Few people could resist your sad eyes and when you would lift your paw for a shake.
I’m grateful you came into my life. You made me a better person and the world a brighter place. I wish our time together didn’t have to come to an end, but I know you were exhausted. You had been such a very good boy for so many years. It is time for you to rest now. Thank you for spending your life with me.
I will love you always,
Julie
Jules Lea 