Loving Ava

[Stacy]

How does one go about writing a fitting tribute to the most wonderful creature who ever lived? There are both not enough and too many things that I could say about her.

I knew I wanted her the moment I saw her picture, but then I wasn’t sure. I was told, she’s not housebroken, not used to living in a house, not used to car rides, or walking on leash, or playing at the park. How was she going to react to our life? How would she react to Katie? Was I making a huge mistake? But in the end my heart won over all my worries and the moment I saw her, with her sad, shaven coat, I knew I had done the right thing. And she showed me every day how lucky I was, maybe how lucky we both were, that I was in the right place at the right time and took that leap of faith.

Ava taught me so many things. She taught me about being able to love despite adversity. She trusted me implicitly. It didn’t matter that so many people had failed her in the past. Where I went she followed. Even when it was that scary old vet, or when she had to walk past a stranger to go up the stairs at the dog wash.

She taught me to be brave. Nothing was ever easy for Ava. I sometimes thought that she was trying to squeeze a lifetime of vet visits into our time together. And if there could be a complication, she would find it. But she endured with such grace. She would look at me, as we were walking into another vet’s office with a look of, “Really? Are we here again?” But then she would walk in, sit really close to me, and let them do what they needed.

Ava taught me how to forgive. She could have been such a broken dog after everything she had been through. But she was not broken. She was wonderful. She would put her paw up on me to ask for more love. She would expose her belly for a nice scratch. She would sleep with her head on my shoulder. And she stayed for me, perhaps longer than she wanted to. She was selfless that way.

Rest now, my sweet girl. I know we will be together again. Your life had so much meaning. I will always treasure our time together. I will always love you. And I will always remember.

If you had not have fallen
Then I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground
And I patched up your broken wing and hung around a while
Trying to keep your spirits up and your fever down
I knew someday that you would fly away
For love's the greatest healer to be found
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Fly on, fly on past, the speed of sound
I'd rather see you up than see you down
So leave me if you need to, I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hard to say something meaningful when tears are blurring your vision. 

She was beautiful inside and out, and the tribute you wrote for her here is equally beautiful. She touched all of us. I am so sorry her time with you wasn't longer, but very grateful for every moment she did have with you. I know those memories will be with you forever. Hugs to you, my friend. 

[Stacy]

I think some stars just burn too brightly. She was too good for this world, but it's so hard when they leave us behind. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a lovely tribute to a wonderful dog and also to you her loving owner.

[Stacy]

Thank you, she really was a wonderful girl.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is beautiful, Stacy. I am so glad Ava found her way to you. I am sorry the time was short. Rest in peace, sweet girl!

[Stacy]

Thank you! I was so lucky to have known her. 100 years wouldn't have been enough. 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

Stacy, I'm so sorry.  That was a beautiful tribute.  Hugs from me to you.....

[Stacy]

Thank you. She deserved so much more, but I can at least remember her well. 

[Lindsey Holt]

Stacy that was beautiful and I can't write anymore because I have too many tears.

[Stacy]

I didn't mean to make anyone cry. I used up all the kleenex, but I needed to honor her life. The takeaway is, love on your babies. Never take anything for granted. Time is always too short. 

[Lindsey Holt]

I know you didn't, but it was so beautiful and I have been thinking of you and Katie recently.

Several ppl have lost their doods recently and I have a heavy heart about it. 

[Stacy]

I know. Every single one breaks my heart.