Our boy left us yesterday afternoon.
My heart is broken in two.
After a weekend where he had been getting up more and moving around, he took a turn for the worse later on Sunday. On Monday, we called the Vet who had diagnosed Riley’s condition and made an appointment. We knew he would be totally honest with us. And he was. It was now time. Don and I had always felt we would know when it was time and the doctor confirmed it.
Don went home to get Scout so she could say goodbye to her brother.
Then it was time. We were with him until the end.
This sweet boy was a blessing and gift. He was a teacher. He had been abused as a young dog and was found wandering the streets of Paterson NJ. If we hadn’t rescued him when we did, he would have died in a few months because shortly after we adopted him, we found out that he had heartworm. He was two years old. Thank goodness I had him tested. He lived for 9 more years because of that test.
He was rather wild. He had no social skills. Because he had been abused, he didn’t know how to ask for affection. He bit us both at one time or another. He was scared that someone might hurt him again.
It took a long, long time to show him that we loved him unreservedly and forever and that he was safe with us. He learned to play (a little,) he loved Scout, he loved us. We loved him.
We love him.
I can’t imagine life without him. I can’t stop crying. My little boy is gone. The house seems terribly empty.
I know he’s free now, running and playing with abandon. I hope he’s with our beloved dog, Winston.
I’m happy for that.
But back here there’s a hole, an empty space.
I miss him so. I’d give anything to have him back again.
Thank you, Riley, for coming to us. Thank you for being my boy. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for everything.
I love you.
