On Friday evening, I went through the hardest part of being a dog owner – having to say goodbye to my dog, Buddy. In the 13 years he spent with my family, he helped us through some of the most difficult times in our lives and brought us much happiness and comfort. Whether it was through sad times of illness and heartbreak or happy times of celebration, he was always with us, and for that, we will forever be thankful that he found his way to us. My mother used to say that it was fate that Buddy became our dog, because when we first went to pick a puppy, we had chosen a small female puppy, but when it came time to picking up the dog to bring home, the breeder said that someone had returned a puppy, an unwanted Christmas present, and that’s when we first met Buddy, a rambunctious little Maltese that we instantly fell in love with. He was a cheerful addition to our family, and we couldn’t help but smile whenever we saw him.
Being a part of the family, it was only a matter of time before Buddy made it into my paintings. I sometimes think he steals the spotlight in my self-portrait, She wanted to do more than just pass, which I think captures his character and attitude very well!
- Funny Buddy, you will be missed…
It’s amazing how much love one can have for a dog and how much pain one feels at the loss of a beloved pet. While the feelings of grief are difficult, I am so grateful for all of the memories I have with my little Buddy and I will cherish those always. Rest in peace, Buddy… You were the best dog in the world, and I love you. See you again, someday.