For almost 14 years you have been beside me. Yesterday, I looked to that spot just off to my right, slightly behind me, and you weren't there.
You stole my heart that cool fall morning so long ago. Diving into piles of leaves, so intent on our game, so in love with life that you wouldn't even think of taking a break. I gave in and called in sick for the day just to stay and watch you. Or the afternoon of the next day, running so intently beside me that you didn't notice the stairs up ahead. What was that?!! Tumbling head over tail, you rolled into the grass. You jumped up, wagged your tail and did it again. With every adventure my heart swelled a little bit more... your first snow, swimming in the waves like the big dogs, following me faithfully on every hike no matter how lost I got us.
Everyone said you looked just like a fox. You did. A fluffy little fox, and sly like one too. So clever; you learned every command almost before I could give it. Ah, but you were stubborn too. Of course you knew how to sit. But why should you? I was only going to ask you to stand right back up again. The girl who always walked at a perfect heel suddenly had to be two steps ahead when that annoying leash was attached to your collar. Never one to make a bad impression, you were always the lady visiting at friends' and in the office. Everyone used to fight over who got to play with you at lunch or watch you when I had to go away.
You taught me more than any book or class ever did. How to be patient, even when I wanted to pull out my hair. How to speak softly, even when I was steaming. How to love completely, even when I looked incredibly foolish. How, sometimes what was right required great sacrifice, for humans and canines. How there was great honor in seeing something through, even when it didn't go my way. How to cry without shame; laugh without reservation; and revel in the day, just because it was nice enough for a walk on the beach.
You played a role in every memory I have of my adult life.
Starring: our lives in Lake Tahoe. You were my best friend when I ventured out into the big, bad world on my own. You never faltered in your faith in me. You brought me out of my shell; taught me to shine my own light.
Co-starring: with your "little" brother Trek. You two were my support when life's picture cracked. You showed me that unconditional love is just that. And that its gift is something everyone deserves.
Supporting role: with your adopted family. You continually amazed me with your unwavering acceptance of whatever life threw at us. You loved your "dad" and adopted brother Baxter just as you loved me: no questions asked, without reserve.
Extra: with your new charge. Even with a new baby you showed patience and grace. I loved you more then than the day I welcomed you into the world.
Through every step of the last 14 years you embraced every role and every change to our lives. You instinctively knew how to be what I needed, no matter what that was.
You were so much more than just "my" constant companion. When we said goodbye, I was overwhelmed thinking of how many people loved you. I am stunned by the scope of your legacy. You touched countless lives with your shy, sweet ways. My heart breaks a little when I share the news with each of our many friends, but I am filled with gladness for the joy you brought to so many.
I'll miss you sweet Safari. My forever friend. My best girl. My shadow.
You stole my heart that cool fall morning so long ago. Diving into piles of leaves, so intent on our game, so in love with life that you wouldn't even think of taking a break. I gave in and called in sick for the day just to stay and watch you. Or the afternoon of the next day, running so intently beside me that you didn't notice the stairs up ahead. What was that?!! Tumbling head over tail, you rolled into the grass. You jumped up, wagged your tail and did it again. With every adventure my heart swelled a little bit more... your first snow, swimming in the waves like the big dogs, following me faithfully on every hike no matter how lost I got us.
Everyone said you looked just like a fox. You did. A fluffy little fox, and sly like one too. So clever; you learned every command almost before I could give it. Ah, but you were stubborn too. Of course you knew how to sit. But why should you? I was only going to ask you to stand right back up again. The girl who always walked at a perfect heel suddenly had to be two steps ahead when that annoying leash was attached to your collar. Never one to make a bad impression, you were always the lady visiting at friends' and in the office. Everyone used to fight over who got to play with you at lunch or watch you when I had to go away.
You taught me more than any book or class ever did. How to be patient, even when I wanted to pull out my hair. How to speak softly, even when I was steaming. How to love completely, even when I looked incredibly foolish. How, sometimes what was right required great sacrifice, for humans and canines. How there was great honor in seeing something through, even when it didn't go my way. How to cry without shame; laugh without reservation; and revel in the day, just because it was nice enough for a walk on the beach.
You played a role in every memory I have of my adult life.
Starring: our lives in Lake Tahoe. You were my best friend when I ventured out into the big, bad world on my own. You never faltered in your faith in me. You brought me out of my shell; taught me to shine my own light.
Co-starring: with your "little" brother Trek. You two were my support when life's picture cracked. You showed me that unconditional love is just that. And that its gift is something everyone deserves.
Supporting role: with your adopted family. You continually amazed me with your unwavering acceptance of whatever life threw at us. You loved your "dad" and adopted brother Baxter just as you loved me: no questions asked, without reserve.
Extra: with your new charge. Even with a new baby you showed patience and grace. I loved you more then than the day I welcomed you into the world.
Through every step of the last 14 years you embraced every role and every change to our lives. You instinctively knew how to be what I needed, no matter what that was.
You were so much more than just "my" constant companion. When we said goodbye, I was overwhelmed thinking of how many people loved you. I am stunned by the scope of your legacy. You touched countless lives with your shy, sweet ways. My heart breaks a little when I share the news with each of our many friends, but I am filled with gladness for the joy you brought to so many.
I'll miss you sweet Safari. My forever friend. My best girl. My shadow.
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