
21/06/2025
My Sweet Twyla Girl –
In Dallas, June 2010, I was going through a big transition in my life and found myself living alone for the first time ever. I came across a post on Craigslist by an animal shelter in Gainesville, Texas, desperate to get Twyla adopted before it was too late. When I saw Twyla’s photo, I just knew we were meant to save each other. I drove to the shelter 2 days later and we instantly connected.
It’s hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since then. She was my very best friend and soul dog every step of the journey. During that time, we lived in 6 different homes in 3 states. We road-tripped across the country together for moves and vacations. She was with me through a new marriage and helped me welcome our child to the world. She lived a long, full life with a family who loved her so, so much.
We have so many funny memories of Twyla. As a puppy, we struggled with her separation anxiety when I had to go to work during the day. I came home one day to find my apartment destroyed and her sitting, nervously (or proudly) wagging her tail among the remains of chewed shoes and books. Of course I was distraught at the time, but I can’t help but laugh every time I see the photo.
She loved to give us her paw to show her loyalty, to greet us at the door with a toy, to play hide & seek around the house, to lay peacefully outside on our patio watching the birds and sniffing the air. She was obsessed with green beans and begged for the snack daily. She claimed a particular upholstered chair in my home office and spent years as my favorite work-from-home colleague. She was fiercely protective of me and our family.
We said goodbye to Twyla on April 21, 2025. It was the best comfort to know she could be at home with us, holding her during her last moments. I know she is at peace now and free of the pain that old age brought on. And I know that her spirit is still with me; I sense her subtle messages sometimes.
Twyla-- I will never forget you. It was a great honor of my life to love you and be your family. Thank you.