On September 19, Brian and I took our sweet pup, Zsi-Zsi, to the vet for the last time. She had an infected tumor in her mouth, leukemia, and failing kidneys. It was one of the hardest, saddest things I have ever experienced. We held her and and comforted her until the very end.
My mom gave me Zsi-Zsi at the end of my junior year of college. She was a wonderful companion. We made two cross country trips and lived in five different states together. She adored Brian and learned to love Elliot and Beatrice. We were very lucky to have had her in my life and I miss her dearly.
I wasn't quite prepared for the deep pain and sadness that accompanies the loss of a pet. Each day that passes makes things easier and we are slowly getting used to a new normal that doesn't include the routines of letting the dog out, feeding her, walking her, and snuggling with her after the kids go to bed. After experiencing this loss, its hard to imagine ever having another dog; knowing that someday we would be back in this place. But then I remember all of the love she gave us and how she completed our family. Someday we will have another dog, but there will always be a place in my heart for my sweet little puli.
The kids have taken this all pretty well. Elliot said he is sad but he has been more worried about me being sad than anything else. He drew a picture of Zsi-Zsi and he reminds me frequently that "she is in heaven and that we will see her again when we are really really old."
