Personal loss is hard, especially when it’s a family pet that has been with you for years. Roma Avila, a writer for the Spectator, recently lost Shadow, her close friend and pet. Here, she shares a little about her loss.
Today was a beautiful day.
It was 70 degrees so we went for cheeseburgers. We drove around and Shadow teased the neighbor’s dog. We walked. We had snacks. Shadow had Mexican food and then lazed in the yard. The sun began to set and we watched the stars illuminate the sky. Shadow didn’t want to go inside. She sat there and grew tired; she began to breath heavy. Her eyes looked distant and became dim. It was time. As I carried her into the car, I could feel her giving in. We drove to the vet. They were waiting for us. We sat together. My tears made it difficult to see. I hugged her tight. She looked at me and sighed. The nurse took her paw as I held her head. Her eyes began to close, her breathing slowed. As I drove home, I checked the back, but no one was there. I came in and saw an empty bed. I set her collar on my dresser. My best friend was gone.
I sat in the dark and sobbed.
Today was a very sad day.
Goodbye Shadow.
February 26, 1999 – October 27, 2014
