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Monday, December 07, 2009

Ode to Four-Footed Friends


We lost a family member last week.  Our greyhound, Ellory.  Ellory McQueen “LL McBean” Myskowski, also known as “Elle,” to be precise.

She was our daughter’s pet; it was Abby who arranged the adoption.  That was nine-plus years ago.

When Elle first moved in with us at the ripe old track retirement age of three, our daughter couldn’t walk her.  Though Elle was the smallest greyhound at the kennel, she was still too large and too strong for our then first grader to handle alone.  But eventually first graders grow into college students.  And unfortunately dogs can only accompany us so far on our life’s journey.

While Elle’s loss is a keen blow to my husband and me, for we have lost a true and loyal friend, her death has left a profound hole in our daughter’s life.  With time the pain may ease a bit, but no one can completely erase the loss of a pet with which you grew up, walked many miles, went on vacations, and too soon out lived.

Elle, you’re missed.  Especially this holiday season.  And this morning when you weren’t waiting for us to walk you. And tonight when you won’t be begging for your dinner.  And all the days and evenings to come when—for just the teensiest, tiniest instant—we'll forget you’re no longer here.

6 comments:

Megan Parnell said...

My Boxer recently passed away too, his name was Lucky, 14 years old. I guess I never really realized how much a family pet is a part of the family dynamic until their gone. Ellory seemed like a beautiful dog.. I'm sorry that happened.

Evan Gomes said...

I'm sorry to hear that, Dana. We all have our beloved pet that passes away and mine happened to be my Bird, Charley, who passed away this past year at the age of 22! He was older than me! Think positive, it's hard for all of us.

Shauna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shauna said...

This is very unfortunate! My bunny rabbit, Timothy, passed away last year during the ice storm. He was 10 years old! I have a cat, Nalla who is very dear to me she is only 10 years old and was recently diagnosed with allergies but my mom knows the vet diagnosed her incorrectly. I am afraid I might have to watch her suffer for a few more years.

Rex said...

I am so sorry to hear that, Dana. Our family cat, Atticus, will be 16 this year and I'd love for him to live forever. *hugs to your family*

Jess said...

Elle was a beautiful dog and a great friend, I'm sure. I hope that the memories you were able to create with her will help you and your family through this time of unease.