Out of the Darkness

There are times in a person's life that things seem hopeless.  There are times of great sadness.  I have been through one of these times most recently after the loss of my beloved companion of 9 1/2 years, Bravo.

I forgot what it was like to be without the steady companionship of a loyal dog.  I was reminded in a very harsh way on October 9th when a sudden, unexpected health issue took Bravo away from me.  In the days that followed, I developed a terrible cough, fever, and cold.  The following weeks felt like a dream.  I was existing, that is all.

One day, as I was beginning to recover from the illness, my husband asked me if I would ever have another dog.  I answered by saying that I really didn't need one.   To which, he said to me, "I disagree."  We talked a while and I began to look around.

 As much as I love big dogs (I have always had large dogs), I thought about looking at little dogs.  The first little guy I saw that caught my eye on Petfinder.com, was a splashy little black and white poodle mix.  So, I thought, I will apply for this little dog and just go have a look at him.

The story that brought me together with this little guy is long and interesting and filled with what I believe to be some sort of destiny.

He's here.
He's a good dog.
He has big paws to fill.
I hope that Bravo's spirit has found a way to be here in this little dog.

Monday Mourning

Rest in peace, my good, old dog, Bravo.
I'm sorry how things ended up after all that we have been through.
There is a place inside my heart where you will always live, along with all the other friends I have lost.
You were a loyal, gentle, joyful soul. You brought so much companionship and happiness to my life.  You really did mean the world to me. Thank you.
I miss you, I will miss relying on your company.  I will always remember my poozie dog. I hope that somehow you and Ursa are reunited.

Here's a poem that Joe wrote over 9 years ago when you were a puppy and just joined our household:

                             Ode to a Poodle

 You are a black shot of happiness

  If I’m depressed, you are there with a wagging tail.

                      Your black fur so plush and curly as if it were the softest         

                      of fine velvet fabrics.

                      With your deep brown eyes the color of a freshly tilled field.

                      Your brown eyes always full of joy.

Run free