I’m trying really hard to fight back the tears. It’s still so raw, and I’m not even sure if I’m ready to talk about it, but perhaps this will help with the healing process.
A couple of weeks ago, we put down my dog Amelia.
Amelia led an extraordinary life, to say the least. She was known by thousands of people, as she was a regular guest on my morning show in Birmingham, AL… Wake Up Alabama. I’m not even kidding. My producer, would look at our upcoming week and find a slow day. “No guest today! Let’s have Amelia on!”
Amelia would lay on the set, on-air, sometimes she’d chew a bone… most of the time she would sleep. A lot of times she would look at everyone with judgmental eyes. Amelia didn’t like other dogs. In fact, she didn’t like most humans. I loved her attitude.
When Amelia was two years old, doctors found a very large kidney stone that she couldn’t pass. We had a very difficult decision to attempt a risky surgery or to put her down. We opted for the surgery. And I’m so thankful we did. Amelia lived for 11 more years with just one kidney.
In her youthful days, Amelia good accomplish many tricks like fetch the paper, lay down, bark, shake, etc. Amelia lived in 4 different states with me. She was my only friend during my many moves and she was my only company during the many years working the graveyard and night shifts in the news business.
Amelia would always greet me at the door with a smile and her tail wagging. Unless someone else was with me. Then she would just roll her eyes and walk away. I adored her.
I know you all will think I’m nuts when I say this, but she could sense when I was upset or frustrated. Instead of coming to me for a sympathetic cuddle, Amelia would hide out in the other room to give me space until I calmed down. Amelia always knew what to do. I miss her.
She never really liked my children. I can’t say that I blame her. She was never mean to them, she just ignored them. Amelia didn’t have time for babies.
In her later years, Amelia fell very sick. She had difficulty walking. She had finally had enough. She never gave up, but her body did. We put her down on a Friday.
I wasn’t there to take Amelia on her last car ride. I was out-of-town, and honestly I am thankful for it. My parents took wonderful care of Amelia during her last couple years earth side.
I know this is awful, but we still haven’t told our children about Amelia’s passing. They still pray every night for our other lab Molly who we lost more than two years ago. I just can’t bring myself to break the news to them.
Today, I know Amelia is running with Molly…the only other dog she ever cared about. I bet they are going on car rides and eating bacon and eggs.
Thank you, Amelia for being my very best friend during some of my darkest days. You will never truly know what kind of impact you had on my life.
I miss kissing your nose. I miss your sass.
I will forever love you.
xx
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