Ode to Lily

May 2009 Lily and Molly came into our life. Terry and I struggled with two active, curious pups and at times wondered if we shouldn't find a better home for them. So active, so playful, so rambunctious, they were a real handful. A year ago, Labor Day weekend 2009 I laid about 2300 feet of wire connected to a transmitter that put out a signal that would give the dogs a mild shock if they crossed the line. Molly and Lily still had about 5 acres of land they could explore without being shocked, and it now gave Terry and I a great deal of peace because instead of having to be right with out pups we could let them out to play and not worry about them going to the neighbors.

As time passed and the pups grew their personalities became unique and distinct. At times however their actions were eerily synchronized. I took that to be evidence of them being litter mates. It was a rather unique opportunity to see these wonderful animals develop and one Terry and I looked forward to observing.

It is gone now. Lily passed away from some unidentified malady September 2. The symptom was anemia, but we could not find the underlying cause to treat. Two months she declined, rallied, declined until finally her body quit working and she left us.

She was such a delight. Sometimes when I was sitting in my recliner working on the computer she would lie on the couch across from me. If I looked at her she would get this intense stare and her head would come up and she'd just fix my eyes with her gaze. Then all of a sudden she would emit this strong, full throated BARK! I'd yell back, WHAT! Lily would come off the couch, over to me with some want and we'd hug and I'd stroke her then we'd try and figure out what she was trying to communicate and satisfy that want if she could make me understand. Other times she would come along side my recliner and just thrust her head down on the arm and look up at me with a look that made you know she wanted something.

Lily seemed to recognize that Molly was the energy dog and tolerated that exuberance. However, if she felt Molly were getting a little too much affection Lily would softly push in and get her share.

I guess what will always haunt me is both Terry and I were really looking forward to sharing our lives with both of them and watching the interaction between the two sisters. That is lost now, forever. I doubt we will ever pick up two pups from the same litter. We've talked about getting another dog so Molly will have company, but it still would not be the same. The spiritual connection that existed between the two sisters is broken.

Lily will be missed, and Molly will be a constant reminder of what could've been. Ours will be a sweet journey however as Molly is an extremely affectionate dog, but I will always wonder.

Lily will be missed for many years to come.