For Harley: My Little Demon dog
My little demon dog, you came home to be a friend to a dearly loved mother who was becoming lost to her daughter & the world from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Prior to your arrival, I was told, “If you bring that dog home, he is yours. I want nothing to do with him!” You knew what to do to penetrate the fog that was claiming Mom. The two of you became devoted friends, & you became her “little black & white gentleman.”
You had a sixth sense that there was something awful happening to your Mom, & gradually started building a closer friendship with me & Barkley. After Mom could no longer stay with us at home, you would always bring a smile to her face, & joy to her heart when we went to see her at the care center. She knew you by name, & that you were her pup, when she no longer knew me. Such is the power of the human, animal bond that it can even penetrate the destruction of Alzheimer’s. I will always be grateful to you for what you did for Mom in those last years.
As the years passed, our relationship became strong. I depended on you more than you know when Barkley began his final illness. I knew that you were always there to keep Barkley company when I couldn’t be. Yes, you could be totally aggravating with your picky eating habits, but I think you were just telling me that you were just more discriminating than the average dog. You have always been my talker, telling me when you’re upset, complaining when something is not right, & getting in my face to simply say, “Hey, it’s me, put the book down. or get off the blasted computer, & give me some attention!” I do not think I will like the quiet, nor not having the “world’s smallest boss” to keep me on the straight & narrow.
Good-bye, my little demon dog, my Harley! Mom & Barkley are waiting for you, & I am so happy that at least 3 of you are together, again. I will see all of you, again.
Your 2nd Mom always,
Debbie
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