One year ago, I said goodbye to my Avery. I was blessed to know that her last day was her last day, instead of being surprised by it like some cruel joke. She went on walks, ate human food, played with her ball, and I held her until her last breath.
When she came to live with me in 2015, I thought we would have 12-15 years together. We had nine years and 355 days. Not that I was counting. Truthfully, no number of days would have ever been enough with the dog who filled my days with joy, even when she was the only light in the darkness.
I miss her terribly — her gentle snores, her soft puppy fur, her bouncy walk, her happy piggy-puppy grunts. I still cannot accept that she is gone. I have accepted that I will live with this emptiness forever. My therapist has accepted it as well. She told me in May that she had had to ask another counselor for advice, as she had never had a patient grieve a pet so deeply. The other counselor told her that there is no salve for the loss of a person’s “soul pet,” because it is more like losing a limb than an animal. That feels right.
If you are lucky enough to still have your truest companion, give her or him a hug for me. If you have the means, please consider donating pet food to the recipients of Meals on Wheels. Very often, seniors will feed their pets before they will feed themselves. Taking care of pets is taking care of their owners.
+ American women deserve better choices that ‘tradwife’ or ‘girl boss.’ (InStyle)
+ Bought this dress from Modern Citizen. No regrets.
+ How to tackle your to do list if you struggle with executive functioning. (NYT, gift link)
+ The Parisian Heist is finally out. Praise be. Can’t wait to read it.
+ Why is this so hard to remember? (Pinterest)
+ Semi-Casual Wedding Look: this dress, these kitten heels, and this small bag.
+ The complex challenges of taking menstrual leave. (Financial Times)
+ This white dress is utterly sublime and perfect for summer.
+ How to let go of the things you don’t use anymore and declutter your life. (WaPost, gift link)
+ I am obsessed with this sheer bra and panty set from Eby.
+ Make this homemade orange soda for a hot summer day. (Crowded Kitchen)
+ This cool band with solitaire would make an awesome travel ring.
+ Getting rid of razor bumps for smooth skin in time for August Recess. (Glamour)
+ These woven mules do summer-to-fall transition perfectly. Love the green.
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Sending you love and support, Abra. May Avery’s memory forever be a blessing.
The woven mules link goes to a book on Amazon FYI