Saying goodbye to a precious pet is difficult beyond words. It can also be a touching, meaningful experience.

1. Lessons from Lily
I have had many pets in my life,
but she was different… special.
It would be my 1st Christmas as
a single mother; I wanted it to
be special. I had wanted a
puppy for some time, so the
thought of a Christmas morning
surprise for my 3 small children
delighted me.

2. On Christmas Eve I answered an ad in the newspaper.
I walked through the gate and sat on the ground. One
of the little balls of fur ran over to play with me, and I
knew she was the one.
That night as we snuggled quietly on the sofa, I fell in
love with her.

3. Morning came, and the
children came down the
stairs to a squirmy little
puppy with a red bow
around her neck. She
was like a Hallmark card
in her little gold box
under the tree. It was
just as I had imagined as
they ran to her squealing
and laughing – pure joy!
What would we name
her? Lily Noel, they said,
after a friend and it was
Christmas after all.

4. Lily quickly became part of
our family, and every day
that passed it became
clear that her heart’s
desire was to please us.
My 7 year old Michael had
his tonsils out just a week
later, and she was right by
his side, not even
squirming, as he wanted
to cuddle. Even as a
puppy, she seemed to
know what we needed.

5. As she grew, she became my
companion. We ran together
each morning. She was there
when we needed a shoulder.
She was always there.

6. I never thought
about the fact that
she wouldn’t be
here forever. She
aged so gracefully,
but her health
began to
deteriorate. When
she could barely
walk, barely
breathe, I knew the
time had come to
say goodbye.

7. The day arrived.
I gathered her
favorite blanket,
my other doggie,
(and her constant
companion)
Roxie, and we
drove to the vet.
They loved her
there, always
doting over her.

8. We spread the blanket
out, and I lay down with
her. Roxie lay with us
too. The Dr. came in,
and after we cried for a
while, she gave Lily an
anesthetic injection so
she could relax and fall
asleep. The doctor left
us, saying it would take
about ten minutes. I
held her little head in
my hand and rubbed her
nose. I talked to her
about the day she came
into our lives and how
much the kids loved her.

9. I reminded her
of the naughty
things that we
later laughed
about, like the
time she
chewed up my
linoleum
floor…..

10. and the fact that
she had barked
during our
entire wedding
ceremony.

11. I told her how much joy she
had brought into my life
and how much I loved her.
She began to get sleepy,
her little eyes drooping.
Tears were dripping from
my eyes onto her face.
Right before she went to
sleep, she licked my hand. I
knew she was saying
goodbye and telling me it
was ok – that it was time to
go.

12. Even though I cried so hard, snot was
running out of my nose, I realized that
her exit from my life was every bit as
special as her entrance. She didn’t
die alone. She didn’t die in pain. She
died with me. And that’s how it was
supposed to be.

13. What We Learned
Now that she’s
gone, I realize
how much our
family learned
from her. These
lessons will
keep her
memory alive
forever.

14. Sometimes, bite off more than you can chew
Over time, you might find that you can actually chew it.

15. Hug those special to you

16. And then
hug some
more.

17. Rest

18. Keep your cool when things get heated
You’ll gain respect.

19. Sometimes just show your teeth
You don’t always have to bite

20. Go ahead and get wet….
Your fur will eventually dry!

21. Don’t forget to enjoy the leaves first…
Before you rake them all up.

22. Sometimes…say nothing
Silence can be Golden

23. Love your family

24. Be patient with others.
They may not be as mature as you are.

25. And finally: Always, always continue to learn
and grow.
You can teach an
old dog new tricks!

26. CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone: (615) 497-7714
Text “Stress” to 38470
tamiwest@tamiwest.com
www.tamiwest.com
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