Ode to My Best Friend

Layla

I haven’t been able to write about it for several months.  I lost my best friend and buddy back in March.  She was a truly significant source of my happiness, piece of mind and a perpetual reason to smile.  I found “Layla Bear” in an ad on the internet, fell in love with her the moment we met,  never realizing that making her a part of my family and my life would have such a profound and lasting positive impact on my wellbeing.

Layla was my fantastic Black Lab.  Now, almost all Black labs do tend to have wonderful natures and are intelligent, loving pets.  Layla took these characteristics to a whole different level.  Everyone who met Layla during her short 8 years of life, at full throttle immediately noticed that she was truly special.. Even people scared of dogs, were instantly put at ease by this totally loving and docile, passionate and gleeful creature.  When her tail wagged, her entire body wagged. Her love and enthusiasm produced smiles and happiness wherever she went.  We were together from before sunrise and walking every, “every” morning no matter what the weather.  We were together every, “every” evening for our second walk. Layla was my shadow everyday for 8 years.  She brought brightness and love to everyone lucky enough to have met her.

 

Layla and Seth

In February of 2010 I awoke on a Saturday morning and with one look, noticed her throat was swollen.  Because she was alway healthy and happy, I immediately decided to run her over to the emergency vet.  One look and a quick blood test and the concern was the worst it could possibly have been.  Lymphoma.  After rushing the lab testing, that Monday came with a confirmation that layla indeed had Lymphoma.  Faced with no good options. there is no cure, I elected to do all I could to secure the best treatment possible and continue as long she was healthy and happy during the process. Layla immediately went into remission and  thrived with no negative reactions for one year and one month.  On a Sunday this past March, she went from full throttle to very ill, weak and complications resulted in her passing that rainy evening.  It was the saddest day of my life!  But…I realized I had been blessed with 8 fantastic years of the best friend a person could ever have.  More fun, smiles. laughs and emotional warmth than I could possibly calculate or replace.  Layla Bear “pulled me” along into her wonderful world of fun, enthusiasm and a beaming positive outlook on all things at all times.

Layla Loved Boating!

My life and all of those around me have been enriched because of Layla’s positive energy and impact.  I will miss and appreciate her forever and ever!

SM

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