Saturday, December 25, 2010

For Cosmo, Who Will Forever Be Missed


For Cosmo, who passed away at 11:35, Christmas morning.

We love you so much. Our hearts are breaking that you left us so suddenly and unexpectedly today.

You brought so much happiness and silliness and unconditional love (along with snoring and flatulence and copious quanities of hair) into our lives over the last 14 years.

I remember bringing you home from the Humane Society in 1997 -- Just a fat, fuzzy, black ball of love. My constant companion. My parents' first "grandchild."

I remember telling myself that you would NEVER sleep on the bed with me. Then, I caught that really bad flu in Grad. School, and you looked so fluffy and cute and warm, staring up at me with your big, brown eyes. I scooped you up onto the bed, and that was that. Until you got too old to jump up that high, you were my sleeping buddy from that moment forward.



I remember how you used to put yourself between me and John, when we first started dating. Just letting him know that I belonged to you, and that he was the interloper.

What a frisbee dog you were! The hours we spent playing frisbee were some of the happiest, most carefree hours of my life.

You were there for so many important events in my life. Graduate school. Meeting John. My first counseling job. The time we got lost on the mountain in Enumclaw. (I was so scared, lost in the dark. But, you were with me, and that made it bearable.) Getting married. I'll never forget how concerned I was that Dad make sure to let you out to poop before the ceremony. And, what was the first thing Dad said to me, just before he walked me down the aisle? "Cosmo pooped." That will forever be a cherished memory from one of the most important days of my life. You were there in our little duplex, watching me learn how to work a lawnmower. You were there when we bought our house. You grudgingly accepted Lucy as a canine companion. And then, you grew to love her. You were there when each little boy joined our family. And, after a while, you grew to love them, too. Especially their leftover crusts and crumbs.



I'm not going to remember you as you were this awful Christmas Day. I'm going to remember you the way you were on Thanksgiving. The way you pranced out into the snow, looking like a puppy again. Laughing your doggy laugh and munching on snow. And, I'm going to remember you, always, as my friend and companion for all of these years. Sharing so much of my life with me. Always loving me and accepting me, even with all of my faults.

The boys drew pictures of you, today. Foster's had hearts all over it, and Spencer drew spiky hair everywhere. I'm so glad they got to know you.


Our family won't be the same without you, Cos. You were a good boy. A good, good boy.

We love you.

5 comments:

  1. Im crying right now....Im so sorry for your loss and on Christmas no less. I know how hard it is to loose a beloved pet. My heart goes out to you and I hope you and your family find some comfort in your memories. All my sympathies on your loosing your first baby

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  2. Thank you for your kind words. I'm still reeling. I can't believe he's gone. The house just doesn't feel the same.

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  3. Oh Beth, how sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cosmo sounds like an amazing companion. Thank you for sharing him.
    {hug}
    Noelle

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  4. Oh Beth - I just sat down and reread what you wrote - after reading it twice before on previous days. I've emailed, I've called............. I am just OH SO SORRY for your loss.....please know we loved him too!

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  5. I've been so overwhelmed by support and love and kindness... I'm so glad there are others out there who recognize that pets are truly a part of the family. Thank you Noelle, and Jill, and everybody who has showered me with love and affection during this awful time. I really appreciate it. Cheers!

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