They say dogs are man’s best friend. Well, I am a woman, and I can say Zoe was this woman’s best, best friend—she held my heart in her paws. I am deeply, deeply appreciative that I got to spend 17 ½ years with this sweet, feisty, happy dog.
The day after Zoe passed, I thought about how deeply I wished for just one more day, one more half-day, or even one more hour with her. Not because I had anything to tell her or thought she would ‘tell’ me anything, but simply to be with her. It’s more than just being present for someone—it’s about truly appreciating every ounce of them as you sit, play, converse, nap, and go about your ordinary day. It’s not just the big moments—yes, those are important—but it’s the little details, the everyday moments, that make up the life you share with your dog.
For me, that was Zoe. Noticing the finer details of what made her so precious: her one tooth sticking out to the right of her mouth, her ears that seemed to get bigger as she matured, the little grunt she made as she settled next to me on the sofa, her fearless approach to storms, and her constant, tender love toward me. Her happy, happy bark. Her sweet paw resting on my lap as she slept beside me while I worked at my desk. Her love for road trips and adventures. Her ‘zoomies’ around the house after a bath. Her deep, soulful eyes.
I stop writing for a moment and take in the memory of her whole being—from when we adopted her at one year old to the day she passed from this world. I can still see her doing all the things she did during her beautiful 18 ½ years of life, and I miss her. Joy and sorrow, gratitude and grace.
Thank you, Zoe, for sharing your sweet, sweet life with us.
