July 2, 2012

The Hardest Goodbye- Aunt Emma Bea

When I say I'm writing this through tears, please know that I'm under exaggerating the sheer disastrous sob that's really occurring. The "I can't breathe, there might be snot all over my face and f*ck, now I've got the hiccups" kind of cry.

Two months ago, my heart was changed in such a miraculous and incredible way. I walked into an animal shelter and left with an eight year old, partially blind pug named Aunt Bea.

Her skin was a disaster, she was covered in fleas and her eyes crusted with God knows what. Her stench was tolerable and the look of absolute gratitude as I scooped her into my arms was the most heartwarming thing.

Weary and confused, she trusted me to put her in the car and take her home. She trusted me to love get unconditionally and take her to the vet, cook for her and treat her wounds around the clock.

Weeks passed and with each day she grew more confident and trusted me more. At meal times, she'd linger so Sophie would inevitably hand feed her, which she adored.

I've said time and time again that pug people are truly the most amazing people in the world, my pug group really rallied around Aunt Emma Bea and sent her love from all around te country! Love that encouraged her and brought out her tenacious spirit!

Within the last two weeks, Bea's true personality emerged in such an astounding way! She began to walk with confidence and wiggle her entire body when she was happy and bark and "talk" when she wanted to express herself.

She MASTERED the art of begging. Winking, barking, talking and telepathically willing me to give up my people yummies to her, you've seen that face---who could resist!? Not I!

From day 1, I knew this day was coming and I had managed to push that out of my mind and heart until the very last second. Today, Aunt Emma Bea went to live with her forever family on her very own Happy Tail.

She has two brothers, Buster and Charlie and a sweet human kid name Daniel who is spoiling her beyond imagination as we speak.

I wish I could say that I handled her departure with grace, composure an maturity but I'll be honest, I'm devastated. I'm lost. I feel numb, empty and distraught. But overall, I feel rescued. Aunt Emma Bea gave me a gift that I could never repay her. She gave me her trust, her love and her complete willingness to give second chances. She rescued me.

I already miss you immensely Emma Bea, I miss your snuggles and your funny barks but I cannot wait to see you again lovey girl!

I want to thank Suzanne and her family for giving Bea the fairytale she deserves. I love you guys!