The first time I saw you, I was fifteen and you were six months old. Among all your siblings you seemed unremarkable at first, until you walked straight up to me without any warning and gave me a little kiss on the nose. That was the moment I noticed you, and that small gesture stayed with me. Only later did I understand: that was the moment you chose me. A few weeks later, the breeder we trusted sent a message. She had seen how well we understood each other and had decided, quietly, to let you come to me, asking whether I wanted to adopt you.
You Were Something Truly Special
That was the moment you became part of my life. You were my second dog at the time, and I noticed quickly that you were different. You were with me through my adolescence, always at my side. You sensed when I was struggling and curled up close. In this you were utterly unique. I have never encountered, before or since, such a compassionate nature in a dog. You knew I was not well before I recognised it myself.
It became complicated when I moved out on my own. I could not take you into my flat because my shift work would have left you alone too much. You took that badly. You made it clear, in your own way, that you were disappointed in me, and you were not the kind to let it pass easily.
You Were My Anchor
Not long after, I met the man who is now my husband. One of my very first questions to him was whether I could bring you to live with us. He agreed immediately. It was exactly the right decision, and thankfully you forgave me quickly. With your particular, loving character, you of course won him over entirely as well, without him quite realising it. You had that gift with everyone who was fortunate enough to know you.
Then I went through a very dark time. You noticed. You became even more attentive than usual, because you could tell I was not well in my mind. I sat on the floor and wept. I could not see the point of going on. And then you came, nudged my hand, and looked up at me with those large eyes. We could communicate without words. I understood that in that moment you were telling me, do not leave me behind. It was one of the most profound moments of my life. You were my anchor then. I faced my illness, and you were a great support throughout. You were there at our wedding, wearing your beautiful golden dress, present at one of the happiest days of our lives.
You Were Part of Our Family
Sadly, the last four years brought serious illness. The vet offered little hope early on, but the vet did not know you. You had a lion's heart and you kept fighting. Until you could not any more. My husband and I believe that towards the end you were fighting only for us. You had been suffering for a while, but you hid it. You knew how hard your loss would be for me, after all, you had known me for fifteen years.
Today I am grateful that you were still here for my thirtieth birthday, and for your own fifteenth. That you lived to see us move into our house. I am grateful to you for so much, and no dog will ever take your place in my heart. You were not just an animal, you were part of our family. A child in every sense that matters.
The memories of Taranee now rest in a ring, worn every day, close to the hand that once reached for her.