We' ve had our share of heartache at our house this week. Saturday, I noticed that our cat, Bella, was missing. She has some vision problems and pretty much stays in our yard. The last time she went astray, I found her up a tree the next day, yowling like nobody's business. This time? No sign of her.
LaRue called me at work Monday morning to let me know he had found Bella. Apparently, something - probably a couple of dogs- had gotten the best of her. He buried her under the trees in our backyard next to Mojo. I was sad that she was gone, but hoped that she didn't suffer. Maybe it was quick.
That same evening after I got off from work, I was standing in the driveway talking to Larue when Lily and a neighbor came out the back door. Lulu slipped out and bolted across the yard toward me. Her big ol' ears were flopping and she ran right at me like she was really gonna let me catch her. Such a tease. She loves being off that leash. She veered right just before she got to me a charged onto the sidewalk. Lily and her friend took out after her, but before they even got 15 feet past me, I heard a sickening "thud" in the street. I ran to the end of the driveway and there lay my Lu in the middle of the street. The person driving the car had to have known he hit her. He stopped at the stop sign by our house and kept going. I could tell from a distance that it wasn't good. I knelt down next to Lu, hoping she was just stunned, until I realized I needed to get out of the middle of the street. I scooped her up and took her to the back yard. She quit breathing while I held her. I sobbed and rocked her until I finally just had to tell Larue to come take her.
Now, those of you who aren't pet people may wonder what the big deal is. A lot of people think animals don't have souls. I don't think that is true. Lulu has looked me in the eyes when I talk to her and I could actually SEE that she loved me. Just like if she was a person. I think you need a soul for that. Maybe I am just trying to make myself feel better, but whatever works.
I told myself that at least it wasn't one of my kids. I don't know how anyone could ever get past that. I cannot think of anything more devastating. The following day, I saw an article in the paper where a Mom had accidentally run over her 2-year-old in the driveway as the child was running out to greet her. I cannot fathom the grief that would come with that. I don't think I would survive it.
Lu is now buried next to the cats under the trees. Two pets in one day. Lily said through tears, "Mama, we don't have ANY pets." She gets that from me - that attachment to the furry and cuddly. The guys in our house have moved on. Lily is already picking out our next dog.
Me? I think I need to remember what a hard-headed, lovable, frustrating, beautiful dog my Lulu was for a while. But, I know I will be ready soon. And, when I am, you better believe there will be a post about it. ; )
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