The Passing of an Angel

When we lose loved ones, we feel deep pain. When we lose family members, our hearts ache beyond description. They leave an immense hole that can't ever be filled by anyone else. We suffer, we hurt, we mourn. 

When we lose an innocent little creature who was both family and a loved one, it's a uniquely sad moment in time.

Today I lost a loved one; I lost a family member. Today I lost my Angel of Hope. "Hope" to the rest of the world; playmate and "big sister" to little Grace; and little special angel to me.

Oct./Nov. 1997 - 8/2/2011 - "Hope" (registered as "Angel of Hope")

Words fail me in describing how special you were, Hope. My little rescue baby, having been turned in at a shelter then at Dachshund Rescue where they held out very little hope for you. Demodex mange, bronchitis, emaciated, dehydrated, a host of worms, ear infections, ticks, fleas.... that's what you were like when you were found, a cute little puppy back then. But you never, ever stopped fighting. You were a fighter from the start. "Angel" they called you, and with me wanting to name my next one "Hope", the formal, registered name "Angel of Hope" couldn't have been more fitting for a perfect little angel like you.  

You came to us and Winnie wanted nothing to do with you. But you somehow managed to show her you were worth tolerating. You were so full of energy my family called you "La Loca" - The Crazy One.  And when Winnie died you truly mourned. You were changed, you temporarily stopped caring for squeaky toys, you did wrong things that you'd never done before. Mommy forgave you - she knew you were confused by the disappearance of your beloved "big sister". You were always such an emotional little girl.

You fought your way through disc surgery. You fought your way through multiple skin issues. You fought your way through a world that always seemed so scary to you. Mommy was always there... protecting you.

You tolerated the big crazy boy Peavey for as long as you could. And when it became evident that he was more than you could handle, mommy put you first. Another home had to be found for Peavey - your last few years being safe and peaceful were the only priority for mommy.

But alas, aging took the best of you so very quickly. Blind, small and weak. It happened so, so fast. What wonderful 13 1/2 years you gave me. The same exact number that Winnie gave me; I guess you didn't want to outdo your "big sister".

And now you're at that special place with your beloved "big sister" Winnie. You've arrived at that coveted place where all innocent, loving creatures such as yourself go when they leave this Earth:

The Rainbow Bridge.

My little family is now smaller. I mourn, I ache, I'm not the same without you. You were so unique... words truly fail me. Mommy's heart is shattered, but you are where you need to be now. You went peacefully, naturally.  I'd like to think that your pain, if any, was minimal.

R.I.P. my little Angel of Hope.  This house just isn't the same without you. Gracie and I miss you so much. See you at The Bridge someday.