The Misunderstood Goodbye

I am preparing to say the final goodbye to someone who has held a treasured spot in my heart for the past 16-1/2 years.  This individual has been a trusted companion, a friend, and a confidant.  She has been by my side through changes in jobs and homes, through broken dreams and dreams realized. She has been a true example of the nature of unconditional love. She is Olivia Sue. She is my dog.

I decided to look for a dog when I first moved out on my own after college. The house I was living in seemed too empty and needed an injection of joy and life. Our family dog was a mid-sized black dog and I wanted to get a small white dog. I began doing research on small white dogs and narrowed my options to a bichon or west highland white terrier. The spunk and look of the Westie won me over and I was on a mission to find one. I had already chosen the name Olivia when I went to the breeder to meet four female puppies. I sat on the floor a few feet from the puppies and called out “Olivia!” One puppy turned and pranced straight to me. I scooped up all three pounds of her and took her home that day. 

The last 16-1/2 years have been filled with great memories with Olivia. She has the Westie spunk in spades. In the recent months, her health has begun to fade and she spends the majority of her time sleeping.  She can no longer go up the stairs on her own. She takes regular medicine for arthritis and belly troubles and can only eat special food. I feel like the veterinarian’s office is becoming my second home. She is certainly fighting to stay here and I am doing everything I can to fight for and with her.

When I think of the inevitable day that is coming, I already cry. (Who am I kidding, I have been crying about that day since she was 3 months old.)   I hear society say, “Get over it, she’s just a dog.” But there is no ‘just’ about a dog. A dog is about unconditional love and acceptance. I will never get over Olivia, nor do I want to. I used to joke that she may not be my daughter but she is my dog-ter. She has been God’s messenger, showing me daily that I am a creation worthy of love and teaching me how to love those around me.

Update: Olivia entered into her eternal rest on June 16, 2014. Her final hours were filled with beauty and love. I pray that God provides me with the strength to be able to share that story one day.