To My Little Furball, Roxy Ditmar: April 23, 1996 - October 9, 2011

by Robert Ditmar
(Grand Rapids, MI, USA)

Roxy, you were more than just the family pet, you were my "first child." The day we went to meet you 6 weeks after you were born, when I walked into the farmhouse kitchen of the breeder and saw you sleeping in that little cupboard under the sink, I fell in love with you immediately, and adopted you as my own to take home!

You brought joy to our house, and since we still had no children, you were the center of our universe for two full years. Then, in 1998, when your "younger human sister" was born, you suddenly were not the only show in town, and yet you were kind to the baby and were still a loving little pup to us.

Over the last decade, you have been at my side for the absolute highs and lows of my life, always there, always dependable, and always loyal. People say animals are not capable of love, but those who say such things obviously have never had a wonderful dog such as you, who showed love and affection every single minute of your life.

Last April 23, you turned 15. Up until last year, you still had a lot of puppy in you, but as you approached your 15th birthday, you started to lose your hearing, sight and mental capabilities. You no longer wanted to go for "puppy rides" as the car suddenly terrified you. After so many years of loving the car rides and being a "traveling puppy," you could no longer do these things and became shut in the house all summer and early fall.

Last October 9, 5 months to the day from yesterday, we took that last drive to the vet, and after you were able to be calmed down, we said our final good-bye and I let you go peacefully to sleep and into the arms of God.

You are sadly missed by all of us, and especially me. You will always be my "little furball pup." I know you are now at peace and in a happy place. I will always keep you in my memories.

Until we meet again.

Love and miss you.

-Dad-