My little Monkey went on ahead without me today. This was a big step for him since he was named Monkey for a reason. He was a clinger and wanted to be with me constantly. I will miss him with all my being; and the top of dryer where he waited for me every day to come home will be as empty as my heart.
Monkey was a special creature and those who knew him personally, my family and Stephanie and Shandy who cared for him when I traveled for work, will tell you that is a true fact. He sometimes seemed part dog and sometimes part human. He was my familiar and my rock and he never met a stranger or anyone he didn‘t like.
When Dustin was killed, many of my friends in Vassar will remember my 13 year old lab, Bird, just couldn’t handle my grief and she began having massive strokes a month later. I know Dustin was calling to her; he loved her so much; and so she stepped over to go run and play with him. Monkey was a baby then and he made me laugh through my tears with his antics and funny ways. He could open just about any door and hang from a shelf with the balance of an acrobat. His bright blue eyes all the time twinkling at me to chase him. He slept with me every night of his life and had to be touching me.
I eventually adopted a stray kitten who had been abandoned and between Monkey and I we raised Boo-Boo, first feeding him with an eye dropper and with Monkey carrying him all over the house by the nap of his neck. Boo-Boo always has belonged to Monkey and went to him for attention and love. He will be very lost now.
Monkey and Boo-Boo both accompanied me when I left Michigan for a fresh start. And again Monkey was my rock and my one thing familiar. Together we made a new life.
Five months ago, I adopted Hattie Bear, and I lived in fear that Monkey would feel rejected and jealous. To my not so great surprise, Monkey took Hattie on and helped raise her. He showed he right from wrong and loved her because he knew she belonged to us. Even in his old age, and being as sick as he has been, he would play a little chase with her around the house. Hattie will miss her friend and mentor as well.
Allowing my Monkey go on without me is so very painful and hurts. I have cried until I don’t think there are tears left to shed and then I cry some more. He was always tiny but so full of life. My heart is broken and our house will be empty without him here.
PS-God works in mysterious ways. My appointment at the vet was at 1:30 and as I stood in my kitchen sobbing wondering how I would do this horrible deed to one I loved so deeply, my phone rang. It was Shandy, (who has taken care of Monkey for several years as I traveled part time for work). She was driving by my house and wanted to stop in and meet Hattie. She took us to the vet and gave me loving hugs. I will forever be grateful beyond words for such a good friend.