Yesterday I had to say good bye to an old friend. He was more than a friend. He was a companion, confidant, an ear when I needed one. He was my strength, my partner. He could drive me insane but at the same time he loved me with out question. I loved him right back. I have lost my walking partner. He was a good partner, never critized, never questioned why we didnt go today and always was there when I was ready to go. Always happy to be out and understood when I had to leave him behind. He was my fur baby, one of my kids and he will be missed. Yesterday I had to say good bye to my oldest, most dear and faithful companion. My four legged, furry kid.
Even now as I sit and write about him, I know he is close to me. He will be the shadow out of the corner of my eye, the little rustle in the trees as I walk, the feeling of being watched over, I have tears in my eyes, not for the hurt in my heart but the more of the emptiness he has left. There is an empty dish, an empty bed, an empty spot on the floor where he laid his head. he is forever there, just not seen.
When I go home I am still greeted warmly, as my other three babies meet me, trying to get my attention over the others. They are filling a gap but will never really fill that place that once was his. I still have walking partners, they never critize, never question why we didnt go out today and try to understand why they didnt get to go with me this time. I know they will always be there, ready and willing to go when I grab the leash. These are my other fur babies, always and forever under my feet, in my face and, if I let them, in my bed.
so while I say good bye to an old friend I am embracing my "new" friends. They have been in my life for a while but now they will be my new walking partners, confidants and maybe even that ear I need.