I know that if you’re not fond of dogs or pets in general it may seem quite ridiculous when you see someone mourning them. I know this because I too have been critical of the lengths that people go for their furry friends. But, until you have shared that relationship with an animal and how absolutely enriching it is, you may never know.
I just got off the phone with my brother who lives in DC. He and I have a decade age difference that has made our relationship at times incredible and difficult at others. But, one thing we have always shared is our love for his dog Zoey. My brother, who we will simply call brother, made the decision to adopt a little chocolate lab puppy with his high school sweetheart his sophomore year of college, I believe. He and this girl ended up breaking it off because she was frankly awful but, his relationship with his real girl, Zoey, was only just beginning. They went through his college years together, spending the summers with us, Zoey and I got really close. At some point, I can’t figure out the exact timing, Zoey was living with us for an extended period of time. I don’t know whether my brother was going to law school or working honestly it doesn’t really matter, either way for about two years Zoey was my dog. We took a liking to each other and became the best of friends. I know it’s cliche but that dog knew all of my secrets and was honestly my best bud for a good period of time.
Earlier today, my brother texted me and asked my schedule for the day and at first I thought nothing of it and then I was walking to my apartment building and got an eerie feeling. I thought about her age in relation to our other dogs and tried to convince myself all was fine as I awaited his call.
First thing he did after I picked up the phone was ask me what group was because I had told him that’s what occupied my time on Monday nights and after I explained he took a beat and then hit me with the “I have some bad news” line, my family has never been one for smooth transitions. He explained she has a tumor in her nose and then told the entire story of what’s been going on which is something my brother and I both do when we are uncomfortable. I started crying and I heard him choke up. All I could say was “I’m so sorry I know this is so hard for you” there’s literally never been another time where I wanted to be connected to my brother more. I wanted to reach through the telephone line and give him the biggest hug. Zoey was the one thing my brother and I truly connected on. And it seems we are about to lose it. “Nothing is definite,” he said, “but the question is not if but when” a statement said in my family so many times. Zoey is one of the most amazing creatures to ever exist. She was so much more than a dog to me (I know cliche but listen) she was the connection to my brother that I had always longed for. As a kid I had worshipped my brother and when the image of him was shattered that he was not this perfect being, I found it harder and harder to relate to him. Honestly it’s kinda because we are so similar and strong headed but, for whatever reason, Zoey brought us common ground. She is something we shared. I will never be able to express truly what this dog has done for me. And I have felt similar ways to dogs before but, I honestly don’t know what life would have been like without Zoey and I have a sad feeling that I wouldn’t have a relationship at all with my brother for I think the distant one we have now is related to this four legged furry friend. I know it sounds ridiculous and that there are so many bigger things going on in the world but, right now I can’t help but think about my buddy. I love her and I always will. Thank you sweet puppy I hope I get to see you one more time but if I don’t thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Strong Female Lead
AN UPDATE!
It turns out there isn’t a tumor in Zoey’s nose it’s some other rhinitis! Good news!
