White dog. Predominantly black wardrobe. Dark wood floors.
It was always a bad judgement call. But on the flip side it was perfect. She marked me. I am her human and she comes wherever I go. (thank you to all of those who let us bring her… especially you cat people , and those with pristinely clean floors before we got there… you know who you are).
If you know me in-person, or where I post ad nauseam about my girl, Iko has been my sidekick for almost 14 years. Rain or shine you will find me 2-3x a day walking the neighborhood with my girl in tow – the best personal trainer of all times. A big quirky girl with her very own mind about who is the pet and who trains who. Unapologetically who she is. From day one she walked to the beat of her own drummer. Fiercely loyal with a side of don’t pester me with expectations. Surely one of the most photographed dogs around.
Who is Iko? What makes her stand out? She is the lover of Archie. Visitor of next door neighbors (mad door knocking skills). The queen of the corner of Salem Lane. Both online and in real life, Iko made her mark on this world and filled mine with the love and companionship that I will forever be grateful for. She came into my life after the great loss of my big love before her, Mel. My first dog. And she filled those paws with grace and her own brand of confidence that always boosted mine when I needed it most.
We have walked this life together through some of the most difficult and joyous times. She holds my greatest secrets and has held me up when I have thought I could not keep going.
And now, my sweet girl, I can see you are done. You gave it your all these past 2 years. With the help of an army of those who loved you fiercely, led by an angel of a Vet who I have followed to the ends of the earth (or East Northport which is sort of the same thing with a sick dog in the back seat), we were graced with what we can never get enough of.
More time.
So now, I will let you go with dignity to go find Mel and all of the other loves I have lost. Say hey to them all for me.
Me? I will walk around with an Iko-sized hole that is just fine because it will remind me that you will always be with me. You are part of my soul.
As for the dog hair… I guess I will have to live without it everywhere.
Godspeed, my sweet girl. Go run free and swim again.
Nope, no one in my house is graduating. But for some reason I found myself going back and reading all of the graduation posts that I had written for my kids. I guess it is that time of year. It all seems so long ago, and like yesterday at the same time.
i could cry but i don't have time 