Fifi

Fifi was born when I was 15. I didn't know her then. She came into my life when I worked at an animal hospital, 2.5 years ago. She arrived there as a stray. We had some records and I made effort to find her owners, even driving to several different addresses. Finally, I left a note in an apparently abandoned home with my contact information at the animal hospital. A few days later, a social worker contacted us. Fifi's owner, a woman in her late 80s, was in the hospital. The woman's daughter, in her 40s, was developmentally disabled, and staying in a host home- from which Fifi had run away. At first, they wanted to take Fifi back. But, when they found out I had offered to care for her, they turned her over, and she was ours.

I was so worried about bringing another dog home. I already had Koda, and I was afraid the presence of another pup would break her heart. Instead, they became the best of friends. Fifi didn't know how to play, but Koda taught her. They would wrestle as though they were young. Koda taught Fifi how to shake, too.

Fifi was a corgi mix. It seems likely that there was chow-chow in there somewhere. She was eternally sweet, always smiling, constantly wagging her tail. She never complained. She had precious freckles on her nose and toes. Everyone would stop us and ask us about her. I mean everyone.

Fifi adventured with us. She moved with us to Mexico. There, she became a neighborhood mascot. One man would yell her name whenever he saw her. Friends gave her the ironic nickname of "Murder Dog." Fifi ran on beaches, and was tackled by waves more than once.

Six days ago, a tumor was found in Fifi's abdomen. She wasn't eating, and when she did, she couldn't keep it down. Today, we decided it was time to let her go. We have been struggling with how to decide. More than anything, we didn't want her to suffer. She went peacefully, with Brian and I, and some close friends, by her side.

I can't fathom that she is gone. There is an emptiness in the house. She loved to lie in the recliner, or with her head resting on the front window sill, watching the neighborhood. She was a constant companion, and greeted us with a smile every day. She was simple and sweet. She endured all our adventuring. She was the best.

I love you Miss Fifi, I will always remember you, you will forever make me smile. I wish you could have been with us all our lives. I hope that somehow you know my gratitude for and to you. Thank you for your trust and friendship. Rest peacefully.