As Romeo forces air into his lungs, his rib cage rattles and his entire body shivers. While I watch him breathe, tears roll down my cheeks. He lifts his head at the sound of my sobs and starts to lick the tears from my face. The irony is that he is soothing me, not knowing that I cry for him. Chondrosarcoma bone cancer invades his nasal cavity and threatens our precious time together.
That was yesterday. Today he is gone. Some people would scoff at my sentimentality and say, “He was just a dog,” but I could never say that about Romeo. Sure, he was a dog, but he was so much more than just a dog to me. Having grown up alongside of my children, he was the personification of their youth. Romeo exists in their school essays, in their high school senior portraits, and in almost every one of our family’s home videos. And as my children grew up and went off on their own, he was never far from their thoughts. During calls to home, they would always ask about their dog Romeo. This reflects how much Romeo was a part of their lives and a part of our family. Romeo was also my muse, often sitting on my lap as I wrote blog posts, and occasionally the inspiration of a post himself. As the house gradually emptied itself of kids, Romeo remained by my side, a comforting and constant companion. Throughout the day, he was my shadow. We worked on projects together, did the laundry together, watched television together, and every night, he nestled next to me as we drifted off to sleep. Last of all, Romeo was my little love. This smart, long-bodied, short-legged, mischievous mutt managed to capture a piece of my heart that will forever be his.
I’m incredibly sad now that he’s gone, but I’m also very grateful for every day that we shared. As my head and my heart deal with my loss, I sit on the garden swing and say the words I would murmur to him during his last few months:
When you are no longer by my side,
I’ll sit on the garden swing
And rock back and forth,
Just like we used to.
I’ll watch the squirrels play
And listen to the birdies sing,
Just like we used to.
I’ll turn my face to the sun and close my eyes
And savor each and every moment,
Just like you used to.
I’ll long to stroke the fur on your back
And tell you how much I love you,
Just like I used to.
And then I’ll cry a few more tears,
Just because . . .
I really miss you.
(To My Dog Romeo written by Linnell Chang)
If you’ve ever loved a pet, please share this tribute to my dog Romeo.
Ooohhhhh! So sorry to hear about sweet Romeo!!! It’s so hard to lose our little furry family members!! Hope you have a good Thanksgiving, even though you’ll be missing him!!
Thanks Debbie. Celebrating Thanksgiving will be difficult, but Christmas will be even more difficult. Romeo loved to unwrap presents – his or anyone else’s present!
Dear Linnell,
Ken and I send our heartfelt sympathies to you, Jeff and the kids. Romeo was a little lover and you have written a lovely tribute to him. Our pets enrich our lives in so many ways. As you shared in your post, Romeo did that in so many ways. Your Thanksgiving will be bitter sweet. As the family gathers together, I’m sure there will be lots of tears, but laughter too as you recall a lifetime of memories.
Thanks Liz. Yes, we have a lot of memories of that little rascal Romeo. He definitely kept us on our toes! Just last week he shredded the Sunday newspaper and he taught Buster how to bark inside the pantry to get more treats!
Dear Linnell and Jeff,
I am very sad to hear that Romeo is no longer with us. He was lucky to be part of your family and I am quite sure he was well loved until his very last breath. I know he left a void in your heart but all of the wonderful memories you had with him will live on. So this Thanksgiving we will be thankful for the 15 years of love you have shared with him and he for you. He will be missed.
Julie, you are right. Up to his very last breath, we told Romeo how much we loved him.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a strong part of your family and he will truly be missed. Warmest love to all of you…
Thank you Julie.
Linnell and Jeff,
We feel your sadness and know it too well. Remember the fun and crazy times with him…I will always remember the first time he rang the doorbell to go outside to do his business. He will always be remembered by each member of your family in their own special way…share it during the holidays coming up. Best to all of you…
Thanks Lorry. Of all the dogs I have had in my lifetime, Romeo was by far the most difficult one for me to say goodbye to.
So sorry to hear about Romeo. He was so sweet. When our girls use to play together I always liked picking up Sydney at your house and getting a big greeting from him. He was a great dog.
Thanks Ellise. Yes, Romeo was a great dog. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Romeo sounds like a great dog and a treasured family member.
Thanks so much Didi.
So sorry Linnell. Your lovely tribute brought tears to my eyes. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories Romeo brought to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Take Care, Tami
Thanks Tami. Because Romeo was such a smart and mischievous fellow, my family has many funny and wonderful memories of him.
So sorry to hear about Romeo. I know how it feels to lose a precious canine member of the family. Dogs give agape love. My prayers for you.
Thanks Jenny. As much as I love dogs, I’m not sure I could go through this again.