Anyone who met Rica loved her instantly. No ifs, ands, or buts. It was impossible not to. She was the personification of love, coaxing anyone sitting in her reach to pet her by nudging their hands with her cold, wet nose. More please…more.
RIca adopted us a little over two years ago when we took our two dogs to be boarded. Rica, who was living there while waiting for a forever home, and our black lab, Herbie, connected instantly. It was as if a magnet had been activated between the two as soon as their eyes met. Who knew dogs could experience Kismet? Especially senior dogs? We had no choice but to bring her home with us.
We learned later that Rica’d had a rough life, surviving at least three different homes before us. She’d had some serious health issues when we adopted her, like a slow-simmering case of tick disease, inexplicable body odors, weepy eyes and arthritis. We’d been told she was five-ish…turned out it was more like ten-ish. But it mattered not. Our only issue in hindsight was that we didn’t get more time with her.
Rica loved her walks, hated the water, and there wasn’t a bowl of kibble that she couldn’t devour in record time. When we got the diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver in December, there were several jokes about cutting back on her wine intake until the reality of the prognosis hit home. She had days, maybe weeks to live. Thanks to Dr. Solano, our vet, and Dra. Lara, our acupuncturist, her life was extended by many more weeks than expected. We are eternally grateful – again.
But alas, when the internal swelling got so bad that she couldn’t breathe due to pressure on her lungs, it was time. The night before she passed, I massaged her spine and legs for hours to soothe her as she struggled for each breath. It’s the hardest decision to have to make. Ever. Could we have gotten another day? Another week?
We miss her terribly, as do Herbie and the puppies. Our life will go on, it just won’t ever be the same.
I know my memorial to Rica is not unique or earth-shattering, but as she watches over us she needs to know how much we loved her, and how much we miss her and carry her in our hearts. I feel a slow, throbbing ache in my solar plexus that comes in waves, followed by a stream of grief-stricken tears. She’s resting with Roxie down in the coffee now, each with their own angel statuary to watch over them.
Love and light to my sweet, sweet angels.
Namaste
Feb. 6, 2019
Judy Richter 