How can I possibly do justice to the place that Lolo held in our family – to what she meant to all of us, and especially to one little girl? I don’t know that I can, but I must try, because she was truly a miracle with paws.
Lolo was our granddog, and she just passed away at 17 years old. Her age alone speaks volumes for the strength, resilience and sense of purpose that resided within this beautiful, amazing dog. She was tremendously special to our entire family, but in particular, she was Anna’s “heart” dog.
When Lolo was an old girl, she was dumped at the shelter by her then-owner. That was over 4 years ago. Our daughter, Samantha, had gone to the shelter along with her 3 children just to visit and, perhaps, to walk a dog. They weren’t looking to adopt, but their hearts were sad because they had recently lost their beloved Border Collie, Mozart. Samantha asked the shelter staff, “show me your most unadoptable dog” … and that’s when the world changed for Lolo and her soon-to-be forever family.
The bond was immediate and without question. It was as though everything in Lolo’s life was predestined to lead to this moment. Samantha and her children were not leaving the shelter without Lolo, and Lolo instantly became a beloved and cherished member of their family.
When Samantha passed away two and a half years ago, Lolo wasn’t well; she had cancer and we assumed she, too, would soon pass. We worried – the kids needed Lolo desperately. But Lolo knew her job was far from finished and that she was needed … it was for this that she had been saved, for this that her life’s mission was ultimately coming to fruition. Despite the cancer – let alone all the common aliments that senior dogs develop – she hung in there and rebounded. She remained always loyal … and always by Anna’s side, helping her through an unthinkable loss.
Writing this isn’t easy (for many reasons). We have dreaded this time, and it has come. Lolo has gone on to be with Samantha, and we have no doubt that they are together once again. We are grateful for the photos that will forever preserve her memory in our hearts and minds, and for the undying love and devotion she gave to all of us, especially Anna.
In celebration of a very special life, I leave you with some of my favorite photos of Lolo with her beloved Anna. A stronger bond between a girl and her dog cannot be imagined. Run free, Lolo. You are loved and missed beyond words, but we know where you are and who you are with, and that brings a smile to our faces.
Sympathy cards can be sent to Anna at:
Anna c/o Harley’s Dream
PO Box 64
Berthoud, CO 80513
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