It’s hard to find words that convey the depth of love that grows in your heart for a pet. Nearly 17 years ago, my daughter brought home a little Golden Retriever who apparently decided that Michele needed her to walk though life. I didn’t want another dog after losing my German Sheppard which I had before I was married. Soon, we all realized that this was no dog, but rather our third child, another member of the family. Michele named her Savannah and in keeping with the expectations of Golden’s, she demonstrated all the skills imaginable that would drive her family crazy.
Her talent for theft was as precise as were her escape plans with the stolen goods via the porch and to the back yard where she could make us chase her to recover a sock or other object that if swallowed could cause medical nightmares.
You knew she had acquired something by her distinctive prance on the kitchen floor just feet from the porch door. She was too fast for humans and nearly always beat us to a vain attempt to close the door. Savannah was a born athlete. She’d catch any ball by jumping in midair. She also loved swimming. Wearing her life vest, she’d paddle around the circular pool catching every tennis ball thrown her way. If she wasn’t invited in, she’d scratch the hell out of the side wall until allowed in. In the last few years, the pool was opened mostly for her use.
Savannah loved people, so much so we’d say she would not allow anyone not to love her. She befriended our neighbor Joe who would buy dog treats to have handy when she was out for her walks. It seemed everyone knew Savannah, even people we didn’t know who would stop and ask how she was doing.
How she loved walks and car rides, sticking her head out the window of the front passenger seat. Sorry humans, if you needed to go, the back seat was available. She looked so regal and proud.
A few months ago, she developed problems walking. Still she loved her meals laced with chicken, turkey, burger, steak and yes, salmon. We, her parents, became her legs and helped her do her business by carrying her outside with a harness and strap. Life went on and the joy she provided to us continued to be one of life’s most amazing blessings.
On Wednesday, she suddenly stopped eating and drinking and became lethargic. We took her to her wonderful vet, Dr. Brower of Miller Animal Hospital. She had developed an infection and a decision had to be made quickly as it would cause great discomfort to keep fighting.
We were all with her this afternoon. My son came from work and my daughter used Facetime to see and speak to that little critter she brought into our home and lives years ago. Savannah left us to find her beloved grandmother, Nana Flo, who passed last October, leaving Savannah without a special purpose she enjoyed, protecting her grandmother.
Today’s essay is as much a eulogy for a beloved pet as it is a therapy for me and my wife Patty, who did so much to keep Savannah healthy, from twice daily insulin shots to treat her diabetes, to monitoring and researching every ailment to advise the vet before bringing her for a visit. As caregivers go, Savannah’s mother was extraordinary which is why she lived such a wonderful long life.
I spent a great deal of time with my pup these last weeks and days. I thanked her for all the love she gave me and for being such an incredible friend. Life will not be the same. We’ll see her in her sleeping spot near the porch door. Her toy box and food dishes had their special place too. But, most of all, there’s a huge hole in our hearts. I’ve learned that gap exists because our grief is as great as our love for Savannah. The larger the hole, the greater the love that created it. Thank God for the blessing of our baby girl Savannah and the love she continues to bless us with.
