Days before Thanksgiving, we said our goodbyes for now to Delilah who became a part of our family days before school started in 2010. The goal was to find a companion for our son, Callaway to help with the transition of his older sister in college and his other sister in her last year of high school. Soon he would be "an only child." Kind of. With two cats, it was a big decision that we'll never regret. She was the perfect dog for our family. For so many reasons.

As you know, days go by, life goes on and schedules get filled. There are places to go and things to do. Our pets greet us when we wake up, when we come home from school or work, and cuddle up with us at night and make us feel safe. Sometimes we take them with us to the park, on vacation, or for a ride in the car. They seem to be immortal. Always there. A stronghold. A constant, dependable part of life. Until they're not. 

If you would like to share your thoughts, your story, your photo of a special moment in your pet's life, we can do that here. In the October 2024 issue, Julie Kitson shared her Charley Bear and today I'm sharing my Delilah. Here's what I wrote to my neighbors around Weston Court on the day after we said goodbye. Hoping it helps us all relate to the loss of a pet whether it is ours or someone's we know. Comforting words on both sides of a loss are so important and well received by all. I was comforted by my neighbors and like so many of you, I would do it all over again. 

"Good morning neighbors, 

I wanted to say thank you to all of you for your kindness towards Delilah over the nearly 14.5 years she lived on Weston Ct. She will be missed. We said our goodbyes yesterday for now and she will always have a special place in our hearts. She was a great companion who loved running, jumping, and catching frisbees in mid air. It was her job to alert me if Frank was hiding to scare me or if he was about to go down the pool slide. Delilah never missed telling me somebody was in our cul-de-sac. Until about a year ago. The only thing she loved more than treats, were those who loved her back. Special thanks goes to Kim and Addie (and Maddie too) who helped us care for her when we were ever away. Pets are family. Pets go to heaven. Don't try and convince me otherwise. Love your pets. They make us better."

Janalee

Nov. 24  2024