19/01/2024
Today I said goodbye to a longtime friend. Perhaps he may have chosen that "name tag" to be something a bit more well, sentimental.
You see, I was Toby’s sole beautician/groomer, (ok he cheated on me once, a quick lesson in forgiveness). I claimed Toby as my fur-ever friend, a teacher, a magical bright bouncy light of joy, a majestic black beauty, a wisdom keeper, a doggie of great patience, presence and peaceful alure.
Toby was surrounded by those that were lucky enough to have shared in the deepest human understanding of love. We held hands and hugs, we cried tears of grief, of impending loss. Perhaps his family silently wondered what the next few hours, days, weeks, months would hold. With the routines disrupted, the bowls and beds barren, the half empty bottles that claimed some borrowed time. Were they already listening for the sound of the jingle jangle of tags that claimed a domain of permanence, silenced once and for all.
Was I holding dear to my heart and hand the fur that creased though my fingers oh so many times. A memory slid forward of the pride I took in his finished blend of statue and grace.
As the snow drifts silently down upon us, I give gratitude to Toby, his family and all that allowed for the passing of one existence to another. And for allowing me the opportunity to stand witness to pure love of life.
He will be missed, and never forgotten.
