Abiding Love

Three weeks ago I lost my best friend, a golden retriever named Daisy. She was not a person, a typical BFF, but of the canine variety, the best in our show and the best in our lives. Her ashes sit on our mantle but her memory is enshrined in our hearts forever.

But this is not a sad story. Daisy lived to 12 ½ years old to the day but had nine lives and maybe more. When only six months old, she got into a bottle of bluing and nearly died. Six months later, she ate a Brillo pad and with surgery to the tune of $641, she dodged death yet again. She had two near fatal chocoholic episodes after delving into wrapped boxes of chocolates under the Christmas tree; yet again angels saved her. Three years ago, she tore her ACL while running through a sand trap on the 18th hole of a local golf course and again an angel of mercy, a greens keeper, rescued her. Acute pancreatitis was another event. Never mind the times she escaped, unaccounted for and miraculously found her way home.

As the Christmas season approaches, I am sad but so blessed that we had this most wonderful creature in our lives. During the past three years since she blew out her ACL, either my husband or I have walked Daisy on the beach every morning between 6:00AM and 7:00AM rain or shine. I walked her the day we put her to sleep, November 9th. We have witnessed the most beautiful sunrises, paddle boarders and surfers engaged at this hour in the beauty of the ocean, and chatted with dog walkers (names unknown) who became our daily friends. It is a gift when a loved one passes, and there are absolutely, unequivocally no regrets. How rare! A most special thanks to Nicole, Dan, Myles, and Lucy Harding who were always there for us and Daisy! We will never forget it.