They say people always come into your life for a reason…to support you through a difficult time, to challenge you to grow, to teach you life’s lessons or to simply walk with you for a little while so you can both grow together. Some people stay forever and some only share moments. And others touch your heart in multifaceted way, changing your life forever with their love, kindness and eternal warmth.
Jolie was one such special soul. Steadfast, dependable, loyal, kind, affectionate and always the ‘listener’. She was wise and gave wonderful advise through her actions. My ten year old Labrador died day before yesterday and it feels like the end of an era. A ‘Jolie’ era. No, not named after Angelina! Jolie, for she was eternally beautiful – inside and out.
We brought her home as a two month old naughty puppy! She was playful and curious and huggable like all pups but like humans she had a mind of her own. Its almost like she could communicate with us and now after ten years I realise that she understood us perfectly and we her. I could talk for hours and she’d listen with her signature furrowed eyebrows expression. She brought happiness into our lives and helped each one of us grow and heal. Unconditional love took on new meaning. If you stepped on her tail, she’d turn around and try to give you a kiss; if you forgot to feed her, she’ll jump around you and give you doggy hugs, if you scolded her before leaving for work, she’d greet you with such excitement and joy at the end of the day. It was transformational. I have had a couple of dogs before her but she had a special soul. She came here to make a difference in our lives. We were all stuck in our different ruts and she brought us together again.
Even the most loving human being would have left you with an odd bad memory but after ten years with this golden angel I only have heart warming recollections of her antics, her love, her gifts of kindness and patience. She will always be a part of me.
I love you Jolie, you’ll always be with us. Like Mary Elizabeth once said,
‘Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.’
Beyondthepuddle 