Yesterday our little Anke went to sleep. She was surrounded by those that love her more than anything... Some there to hold her and others (including myself) in spirit. She was almost 14, and the last 14 years have been so amazing because of her. She became "The Baby" of the family the summer after my freshman year of college. We'd asked for a dog so many times and never dreamed that she would actually come home to us and be ours. But Dad and Mom surprised us all! We even bought her a squeaky pacifier. And her favorite place to sleep? Mom's slipper. The perfect spot for a little 4 pound bundle of love to curl up and rest.
I NEVER.... NEVER cried when I left for college or had to go back after a holiday. But after spending that first summer with Baby Girl, I bawled like a baby when it was time to go. I remember holding her close and she licked the hot tears off my cheeks as they came down. I kept saying, "This isn't fair! I waited my whole life for a dog, and now I have to leave her!" She forgave me since I kept coming back for more each summer and Christmas. :)
Anke was the best snuggler EVER. If we settled down for just a moment on the floor or couch, there she was curled up and ready for love. My mother was her everything. I mean, she adored my daddy, was very submissive to him and her morning routine always included plopping herself down across his stomach for a good tummy rub. But if she couldn't be by my mother, the world was just not right. Sometimes Mom would be so busy around the house that Anke would bark and scold her until Mom would settle on the couch for just a few minutes so that little girl could just snuggle for awhile. :)
My Abbie LOVED Miss Anke. Anke at first tolerated my little whippersnapper, but soon they looked for each other to snuggle and play. We always joked that Abbie learned manners from Anke, and Abbie was Anke's personal trainer! I really believe that the reason I have Abbie today is because I had Anke in my life first.
First day home... She squeaked like tennis shoes when we left her alone!
Trapping flies on the window sill and watching the golfers
Her "room with the curtains" under the bed...
I wish that I could have been there with her yesterday, and with my family because I know that this is the hardest thing that anyone could go through. To make a choice and to decide that it's time. Especially when your little love seems to have had a few good days. But I know that Little Girl is happy and pain-free and loved where she is... Until we can be with her again. Thank you for all your love, Anke. You will always be our Puppers.
These are my mother's words. I hope she will forgive me for posting this, but it's a glimpse right into her heart and no one could say it better. She sent us this email yesterday:
Goodbye Dear Friend
Dear Family,
Today I said goodbye to one of my dearest friends. It's hard to explain why it is so hard because this friend never spoke to me in words. She has been my one constant through the past 13 years. The one friend that was always there for me when my kids grew up and left the house and then got married, never to return home for good again. But Anke was always there to give me a reason to get up in the morning, to snuggle with me when the house seemed too empty and I was having a tough day.
She would follow me around the house wherever I went and curl up close by. She waited up for me when I came home late and she came to find me if it was late and I wasn't in bed yet. She made me feel special, because she loved me unconditionally and truly missed me whenever I was gone. And now I will truly miss her.
This morning we made our farewell walk around the neighborhood. Anke's mind still wants to do all the things she used to do, even though her body doesn't let her anymore. I watched her as she hobbled along (her gait is very unsteady these days) and when her legs would give out on her, I picked her up and carried her for awhile. I talked to her about all the things we've done together. We listened to the birds and stopped at her favorite bushes for one last smell.
I reminded her about the time that she would run with reckless abandon on the golf course behind our house, chasing birds... her legs bounded out just like a deer and her hair would flutter in the wind that she created as she ran. She was so free then. I told her that we would be setting her free again. That she could run to her hearts delight... forever.
I hope she had a nice journey home and that she will be there to greet me when I get my chance to go. I know for sure that I will be looking for her.
So goodbye dear friend. Happy running!
For the love of Anke,
MOM
