Run Free, Sweet Lolly!

Lolly passed away early this morning. This week, she had lost all movement in her rear legs and her front legs were starting to curl back and not respond. I spent the night holding her, trying to keep her warm. It seemed that no matter how many blankets she would still shiver. She would still pop her head up, as if she wanted to say “Hey, I’ll go for a car ride or chase a ball”, but she was starting to realize that she simply didn’t have the ability any longer. She turned her head and stared at me one last time, and we said our thank-yous and goodbyes. The shivering had stopped. Lolly was the best dog I have ever had. She would somehow manage to wiggle into the next room to ring the bell if she had to go out or come get me when I was out of sight for more than 5 minutes. She never let her inabilities stop her and she always had a wagging tail and happy smile. She simply wanted to play and be around her family. She came to us with all of the very same characteristics that I have been trying to teach my kids: determination, perseverance, positive attitude, eager to please, well behaved, always listened, etc. Perhaps this is why I like animals more than people. This dog changed all of us and left an empty place in our hearts. We spent a lot of time at the veterinarians trying to slow down what was ultimately inevitable. I keep wishing that I had this dog earlier. I wish I had more time. We have had other dogs, but she was truly special and she will be forever missed. ~James B.