Soooo...you remember how in my last post I introduced sweet Lola Bear, our newest shar pei?
Well...she's in doggie heaven now.
We were pretty sure that with some eye drops and some pain medication for her back legs, little Lola would be right as rain and we'd be enjoying her company for many months - and possibly years - to come. Unfortunately, that's not how shit played out.
I'll spare you all the details of the never-ending rollercoaster of Lola's health problems - many of which occurred while Katr and I were out of town and she was being looked after by Boka and Cawi, who are FUCKING SAINTS. Suffice to say that the deck was not stacked in her favour and yesterday morning, we had to say goodbye to her after knowing her for less than two months.
It was very peaceful and also, just so sad and shitty. With the exception of the occasional fish, I've never had to say goodbye to a pet before and it was really hard for Katr and me (and for Boka and Cawi, who we called before it happened - they had taken care of her for almost as long as we did and cleaned up waaaaay more barf).
It was all over very quickly and then...no more Lola.
Nothing kicks the week off like doing the ugly cry in front of the vet, six veterinary technicians, everybody who walks by your car for half an hour after you leave the vet and the barista at Starbucks, who gave me free muffins when we stopped by the coffee shop to eat and drink our feelings. We spent the rest of the day mostly trying to work and failing, weeping over photos of Lola and annoying Emmy Lou by being extra affectionate to her. I also have to shout out to Doai and Elai, who brought over Cheetos, gingerale and chocolate - the foods of grief. Thanks, you guys.
Katr and I are so heartbroken that we didn't get to spend more time with her - and, as always in these situations, you question whether you even did the right thing by adopting her in the first place. Maybe moving from her old home to a new environment was bad for her. Maybe she would have been happier in those people's yard, never going to the vet with her infected eyes and Milk Bone brand food and yappy little Chihuahua brother.
Except - she wouldn't! Because Lola loved adventure!
Every new thing set her fat little tail a-wagglin'. And in the 7.5 weeks she was with us, she got to experience the following awesome things:
- Walks!
- Beds!
- A custom-made fleece blanket by Boka!
- Running freely in the park while chasing rascally poodles!
- Wearing an hilarious cone!
- Toys!
- Car rides!
- Seeing and smelling the ocean!
- Stairs!
- So many treats!
- Being spoiled by many members of my family!
- Being doted on by lesbians!
- Meeting new people and new dogs every single day!
- Riding in a taxi!
- Barking at delivery people!
- Many tummy rubs!
- A ridiculous amount of love and cuddles!
While her time with us was distressingly brief, she managed to pack a lot in there. And I think that makes it all worth it.
Folks have asked us how Emmy Lou is handling all this and I'd have to say "pretty well." She and Lola got along okay but they certainly had their spats, like any sisters do. After we got back from the vet yesterday and she saw that Lola was not with us, Emmy began to industriously clean out Lola's food bowl (just in case there were scraps in there) and immediately climbed on to Lola's bed.
"That's nice," my dad said when we talked on the phone last night about Lola's absence. "I'm sure Emmy's just trying to fill the void in your hearts." Awwwww.
Yeah. That's cute, Dad, but I imagine what Emmy was REALLY thinking, as she settled down onto Lola's incredibly soft, comfy, orthopedic foam mattress was "VICTORY IS MINE."
Oh, Lola Bear. You were adorable and we will miss you. I am picturing you frolicking with all the other little dogs and prancing your fuzzy badonkadonk all over that great dog park in the sky. You're a good girl.
