April 2, 2009

Love has its price.  That price is grief.  Today we lost our little love, Jeffrey, to kidney failure.  Jeffrey came to us just six short months ago, a rescue from a local shelter.  Jeffrey had been found by police in an abandoned apartment.  He was in horrible shape with badly matted fur and toenails that curled under his paws.  He also had leukemia.

Despite it all, Jeffrey was a happy little guy who loved being petted and hanging around the nearest person.  He loved food and, after wolfing down his own meal, would lurk around his rescue-mate Pumpkin’s bowl as she ate, waiting eagerly to snatch any leftovers.

Jeffrey delighted us with his Bichon “waddle” (if you have ever been privileged to share your life with a Bichon then you will know what I mean).  Even more delightful was his Bichon “run”.  Jeffrey took an ownership interest in the house and always took great care to alert us when there were raccoons hanging about outdoors – going on high alert with his tail high and a bark ferocious enough to scare away the intruders.

Jeffrey graced us with his presence and we are only sorry that he could not spend more time in our home.  He will, however, live on in our hearts.  He was a kind soul, who despite abuse and neglect, learned to love and trust again.

Jeff – thank you for your lessons in love and for the joy and laughter you brought into our lives.  We miss you, buddy.  We will always hold you close in our hearts.