Ten years ago, I wasn't a dog person. Dogs scared me. Even the tiny little bichon frise my parents got for Christmas. But you couldn't help but love Louie, and very soon, I considered myself a dog person.
Louie very unexpectedly died today. He wasn't just a great dog, he was the best dog. I wanted to clone him and have my very own Louie. Before Louie, I didn't know that dogs could smile. He was sweet and loving and playful. He got buzzes and spoke his own language (yaithew yaithew, Yewie baba). He loved to cuddle and was the perfect reading/watching tv/napping companion.
People always say that their dogs are great with children, but I would love to see a dog better than Louie. He would put up with Mabes pulling his hair (bichons have hair, not fur, that's why they're good for people with allergies), squeezing him, playing with his food, and climbing in his bed. If he got tired of her, he never snapped--he'd just get up and move.
Mabes believed Louie was her dog, partly because we lived with him (and my parents) before moving out here. One of her first words was "Louie." She loves him. Last week she started making him dog toys for Christmas. I haven't told her yet, and I don't know when or how I will. She knew something was wrong when I got off the phone with my mom, but all I could tell her was that Louie was very sick. I guess I hope she'll have the warning none of us did. I'd like to think she'll take it in stride, as she is pretty resilient and matter-of-fact about disappointments. But this isn't just a scraped knee. Louie was one of her most favorite living things in the world. She adored him.
I'm sad for our loss, but I'm heartbroken for Mabes.
5 comments:
Among my first thoughts after Mom called me with the shocking news was that Emaline wasn't going to see Louie again. I know Louie would have loved Christmas this year with everyone in the house together, and he would have been on a two week buzz with Emaline around. This is a very sad day.
Dad
Some of my favorite pictures of Louie are with Mabes. I'm sad for her, too. I'm sad that Louie doesn't get to enjoy the craziness of Christmas with everyone home ever again.
So sad to hear about this friend. It's always hard to lose our furry friends when we love them so much. I'll say a little prayer that Emaline will be able to take it o.k.
I am so sorry. Animals become familly very quickly. I remember the heartbreak when we lost our family dog. It really was heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your family and for Mabes. Love you friend!
Wow Allison I'm sorry I didn't know about this. Very sad. We lost a stupid turtle this year and cried about it. I can't imagine a dog. I feel for you guys.
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