It was October 20, 2010, and I had a crazy morning at work. I was out for a jog on the Trinity Trail during my lunch break when I saw you and your sister. When I passed you again on my way back, I knew I couldn’t leave you. We treated your worms and fleas, got you neutered, and put some weight back on your skinny frame. Fortunately when I tried to find you and your sister a forever home, Dad agreed you had already found one.
I will always wonder where you came from and how someone could mistreat you. When you first moved in, you were afraid to come into our house from the backyard. You would inch closer to the back door, but you were afraid to cross the threshold. You would run off into the patio or outside when we had a guest (especially a man!), and you were so quick to flinch because you thought you might get hurt. As Grandpa told me, “I hope there’s a special place in Hell for the person who mistreated Hank and Lucy.”
I wish I knew how bad you were hurting when you first cried to me the night before Thanksgiving. Could we have done anything differently to get you through this? Were you just sick of fighting it? Did you feel abandoned at the hospital? Most of all, I wish Dad and I could have been there at the end to rub your belly, look into your big, droopy eyes, and kiss you goodbye.
It’s
hard seeing the reminders – three dog beds, three bowls, and, the toughest of
all, Lucy. I know how much you loved
your sister, and it breaks my heart to know I’ll never get to see you two walk
side by side again. GusGus, Dad, and I
will take extra good care of your sister. There will be plenty of walks, petting,
snuggles, and treats (and maybe an occasional squirrel or rat).
We will
always remember you and your funny quirks.
The way you would sneak your nose under our arm and lift up, to remind
us to pet you. The way you would roll
over on your back wanting belly rubs.
Your shit-eating grin (literally)… now GusGus is wondering why is poop
is no longer good enough to eat. How you
loved to go for walks (just like your brother and sister) and how you would trip on
your own feet (just like your mom). How
you would jump up and down, in all your awkward glory, when it was time to eat. Most of all, we will remember how much love
you brought into our home and we will value the year we had with you. Hopefully the time with us more than made up
for whatever you endured prior to becoming a Willingham.
October 20, 2010: Finding You and Lucy on the Trinity Trails
You and Lucy staying at Aunt Shawna's for a few days
You were still hesistant about coming into the house! One of my favorite photos.
Losing some of your manhood and temporarily gaining a cone.
Quickly learning how comfortable the couch was!
It was a lesson you never forgot.
Bedtime in the patio (not nearly as comfortable as the couch)
Snow day! (I think this was way more fun for me than it was for you!)
You had the best Basset features...
You weren't a swimmer like your brother, but you were a cute spectator!
And you loved getting your tan on...
Your first Willingham Christmas
And your last :(
We miss you and we love you. Rest in peace, Hanky Panky.
1 comment:
You gave Hanky the best life, which he definitely deserved. You are a great person for all that you have done for our four legged friends, and I know they love you for it. He will always hold a special place in my heart, that's for sure! Those big brown eyes were something else. Rest in peace, our sweet boy.
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