Today I said goodbye to my companion of over 11 years. Toffee was a gift to me, discovered by my children, to help me cope with the death of my husband, Michael. It is hard to believe how attached one can become to an animal, even a person like me who was never very fond of dogs to begin with! I loved Toffee so much, and have become very used to having him close by. After leaving him at the hospital last night and coming home to an empty house, I could still hear him sneaking up behind me, and feeling him following me around the house.
This afternoon after the doctors told me how little hope there was of recovery, and after discussions with my children and close friends, I decided that Toffee did not need to endure any more days of pain, and solitude. He was brought to me wrapped in a blanket, staring up at me, and looking into my eyes until his last breath.
I had no idea that our walk yesterday would end up being out last walk. He was always so excited to go anywhere with me. Sometimes I would take him out to the garage to sit in the car while I sorted music books, sorted recycling, or cleaned up the garage. He was happy to go on those little “trips” with me.
Toffee loved to listen to me practice piano, organ, singing, and was especially excited when I had students come over for piano lessons. Music calmed him and allowed him a chance to sleep for hours during the day.
There are way too many memories to list in one blog post. I’ll write more in future days when my eyes are no longer full of tears.
Reflections 