by Arlene Bullock
Bambi - I remember the day I went to the animal shelter looking for a "dog". When I saw you in the cage all frisky and so full of spunk I knew WE were going to be best friends. I had never had a "dog" of my own and you were my first. I had so much to learn and you my friend were going to teach me. I took you home and washed out all those feels and you were alive and so happy. I hope you know how happy you made me too. You used to hang out in the back yard while I went to work - just relaxing in the sun. Then one day the tornado came - I couldn't leave work, they had closed the post and all I could think about was you in the back yard. When I came home your house was in the middle of the yard, I called and called for you "come here pretty girl"... The neighbors saw me and told me they had taken you in. Thank God. We were still going to be together - forever. Bambi, you were my traveling buddy. You always had an open hear, a shoulder for me to cry on.
I love the way you'd prance around the house, smiling and cheesing. And when you'd sneeze I'd sneeze and we'd have a sneezing contest. That was fun. Or when I'd come home you'd be waiting at the gate barking and calling my name. Or I'd walk in the house you'd be there to greet me with those bright eyes of yours. Or when I'd give you a bath - you'd just stand there in the tub soaping you down and you'd just be ever so patient. Then once I'd lift you out and dry you off, you'd scurry throughout the house rubbing your nose in the carpet as I put the supplies away. And then for being a good girl - treats! Jimmie loved showing you off in the local "dog" show". #1 Best Tail Wagger - you did it girl.
Remember Vic and how he would stretch his legs out and you'd come a lick his legs - he really liked that.
Bambi - you've carried me through a marriage, children, and a divorce. Though my own sickness and helped me recover. And all you asked for in return was food, water, treats and tummy rubs! You never played with toys - it just wasn't your style. You never chewed on shoes or furniture - you were a good girl.
It was about three years ago as time went on you became sick with diabetes. At first I didn't know what to do - but you were patient with me as I learned to give you your insulin. At times I think you knew the routine better than I. "Medicine time" I'd say to you and you would just rolled over as if to say "OK" let's get it done. The diabetes worsened and you began to lose your eyesight. I would be standing in front of you calling your name and you'd be looking the other way just wagging your tail - happy as can be. I'd gently touch you to let you know that I was there to lead you back inside the house... and you'd courageously follow me. Then one day you didn't eat or drink - I took you to the doctor's but your kidneys were almost gone. I didn't want to let you go, not yet. The doc said I could take you to the emergency clinic and they could monitor you until your blood results came back. I wanted you home with me in case anything happened. So I brought you home - hooked up the IV, and watched you. Mentally I knew the time has come, but emotional I didn't want to see you leave me. You are my best friend girl. I got the blood work back from the doc and it didn't look good. I'm so sorry Bambi.
Thank goodness Diane was there to help me get you to the vets that morning. When I held you in my arms like a baby - it's as if you knew it was time to say good-bye. I miss you so much girl. I'm sorry girl for making you stay outside when you would have accidents in the house. I just didn't understand. Please forgive me. I just wish we could have had 16 more years together. I love you so much girl and you will always be my Sexy Girl.