Munchie. My sweet girl. You captured my heart in an instant, the day I met you. You were three months old and just about as precious as anything could be. We brought you home and you became a part of our tiny family.
We taught you to be obedient and you taught us to love, in a whole new and beautiful way. You and I grew together. I remember singing you camp songs while we were snuggled in bed late at night, when I missed Luther Dell so much I thought my heart would break. I remember dragging you around, putting sunglasses on your face and hats on your head, loving you the only way I knew how at 6 years old- and you were gentle and patient with me. I remember pulling you to me and burying my face into your soft shoulder whenever the heaviness of life seemed too much. For 15 years you've been my listening ear, my oldest friend, the heart that probably loves me more than almost anyone. I know that I sometimes became easily frustrated with you, and I’m sorry for that. You will never know it, but you taught me the value of caring for someone- how to extend unconditional love, even in anger.
From you I learned the importance of play, and how to engage. I learned responsibility by caring for your needs. I learned to teach while we patiently housebroke you, and spent hours and hours and probably hundreds of treats training you to shake, roll over, and dance... (but girl, you never did figure out how to speak on command. What's up with that?) You taught me the joy of relationship with another living creature. And you didn't just teach me, but countless others- you even helped a young girl with a fear of dogs overcome her terror and learn to love you almost as much as I do. I acquired a deep love for animals because of your friendship. You taught me to enjoy nature the way you do.
Who knew we’d be staring down these finals days of your life together, here in a new house, in a new family. Who knew those beautiful dark brown eyes that stole my love when you were just a puppy would be the same eyes, now fogged with age, that would stare back into mine as I brush the fur back from your shaking face.
It has been your steadfast and loyal presence that has brought me through this crazy year of change. You have been my constant companion, walking with me through the grief of losing dad and the confusion of transitioning into a new family. We did that together. And every time I needed something tangible to cling to and to share my burden with, whether late at night or high noon, you were right there by my side. God made you, and He made you perfectly. I can’t believe how lucky I am to know you and call you mine. You have been my best friend, my playmate, my comforter, my literal shoulder to cry on. You are a mender of broken hearts and a dryer of tears.
If dogs go to heaven, then you will be one that sits at the very feet of Jesus, sweet girl.
I could not be more thankful for 15 years of life with you by my side. You are loyal and loving. You are faithful and constant. I could not have ever imagined my life without you. I can't begin to tell you how much you will be missed. My heart aches so deeply already.
I love you. Those words are simply not enough. Jesus is the reason I know love, and you are the reason I learned to love. You have been the beat of my heart- the unseen rhythm that keeps the rest of me strong.
Thank you for loving me so well. I will never stop loving you, not even for a minute, not ever.
When you get there, your first job is to find Daddy. Go on walks with him. Chase the squirrels. Stretch your new legs. They won’t shake, I promise. Keep him company until I get there. It won’t be long.
I love you, Scrunchie. Thank you for taking care of me. With licks and tail wags, you healed my wounds. I wouldn't be the same without you.
01/19/1998- 08/15/2013
I love you, Scrunchie. Thank you for taking care of me. With licks and tail wags, you healed my wounds. I wouldn't be the same without you.
01/19/1998- 08/15/2013
