Since Tigga’s emergency and early Sunday morning vet visit......

I find myself thinking of Zoey a lot. The swiftness with which both loving pets went from their cheerful selves to being gravely ill brings back a flood of emotions tied to the loss of Zoey. It was a warm summer evening on July 10th, 2020, a day that would forever be etched into our memories as the day we said goodbye to our beloved family member, Zoey. Her name alone brought smiles to our faces, and her memory still warms our hearts. Zoey, a husky mix with boundless love and energy, had been a cherished part of our family for years, and her sudden departure left an irreplaceable void.

Zoey wasn’t just a pet; she was an integral part of our lives. She had a way of brightening even the dullest of days with her infectious joy and playful antics. One of her favorite pastimes was playing with the kids, filling our home with laughter and happiness. Every evening, as I settled down to play Madden online, Zoey would faithfully lay at my feet, a comforting presence as I navigated the virtual football field. She’d stay there, a loyal sentinel, until the kids went to bed. Only then would she choose one of them to snuggle with for the night.

But life has a way of taking unexpected turns. One fateful night, Zoey’s behavior took an alarming twist. A strange yelp escaped her, and she seemed unusually antsy, hyperventilating as if something was amiss. I tried to chalk it up to excitement, for Zoey was always a happy dog. When bedtime came for the kids, our worry deepened as Zoey struggled to jump onto the bed. Something was terribly wrong, and we were in for a long night. 

Desperate for answers and help, we reached out to someone who worked with animals and took Zoey’s temperature. It appeared normal, leaving us both relieved and puzzled. We decided to keep a close eye on her and hope for improvement by morning. To ensure her safety through the night, I had her lay in my room, allowing me to monitor her closely.

As the clock struck midnight, the unimaginable happened – Zoey had her first seizure. Panic set in as we watched helplessly, not knowing what to do or how to comfort her. The hours passed, and with each passing minute, Zoey’s condition deteriorated. We prayed for morning to arrive swiftly, hoping to rush her to the vet for help. The closest emergency vet was a daunting 50 miles away, and our vehicles were far from reliable.

Eventually, I couldn’t bear to watch Zoey in pain any longer without the means to help her. I gently scooped her up, cradling her fragile body in my arms, and climbed into the back of our van. With my heart pounding, we sped down the highway, our only hope that the car wouldn’t fail us at this critical moment.

Upon arrival at the vet’s office, the world had changed due to social distancing and the looming specter of COVID-19. We had to wait outside, our anxiety building with each passing moment, while Zoey’s condition grew increasingly dire. When they finally took her inside and led us into a sterile room, our nerves were stretched to their breaking point.

The vet came in with a heavy heart, and the words that followed were as devastating as they were inevitable. Zoey’s chances of recovery were slim to none, and even if they attempted to save her, the odds were stacked against her. It was a gut-wrenching decision, but we knew what we had to do to spare her further suffering.

With tears in our eyes and heavy hearts, we whispered our final goodbyes to Zoey as she lay there, her paw gently cradled in my hands. Her soft, loving gaze met mine as she took her last breath, and a profound sense of loss washed over us.

We brought her home, where she now rests alongside our other beloved fur babies. That weekend was one of profound grief, as we tried to come to terms with the void Zoey had left behind. Her absence weighed heavily on our hearts, and her dog mate, Mack, seemed to mourn her as much as we did. He missed her companionship, her playful spirit, and her unwavering loyalty.

But even in the midst of our sorrow, there were moments when it felt like Zoey was still with us. Mack, her faithful companion, began to bond with me just as closely as the bond her and I once shared. Every day, he eagerly waited for me to return from work, howling in excitement as I approached. In those moments, I could almost see Zoey on the steps, never straying far from our home’s perimeter.

Zoey was a strikingly beautiful dog, with eyes of two different colors, one even split, like a unique work of art. Her predominantly white fur was a stark contrast to my wardrobe, which seemed to consist mainly of dark-colored clothing. I’d go through countless lint rollers trying to keep up, and even now, three years later, I sometimes spot a stray strand of her white hair.

But what stands out the most in our memories is not her fur but her love, her spirit, and the indelible mark she left on my heart. Zoey’s passing left a permanent hole within me, a space that no other dog can ever fill. That spot will forever belong to her, a testament to the bond we shared.

Today, I cherish the presence of Mack, knowing that Zoey’s spirit lives on in him, in the memories I hold dear, and in the love that endures despite the pain of loss. Zoey, you may no longer be with us, but you will forever remain a cherished member of our family, an eternal part of our hearts, and a reminder of the love we shared.

Thank you for your time. Blessed be, God bless, and Peace. Deuces.