The author with Lola. (Photo courtesy Sarah Caton)
There are animals who come into our lives and remind us how lucky we are. Either they touch our hearts because they are so kind and are exactly what we didn’t know we needed in a companion, or they have an indomitable spirit that makes us want to be better humans because we see that no matter what happens to them, they never lose their enthusiasm for life.
Lola was both of those. From the very first time I met her when I was working for the veterinarian’s office, I knew she was special. She was a teeny, tiny dachshund with long hair and big eyes. She was small, even for her breed, because of a condition that made it nearly impossible for her to swallow correctly, making getting enough food a near-impossible task.
Her body may have been small, but her heart and spirit were oversized. She would enthusiastically greet me every single time I came through the door, even if I had just gone outside for a minute. Every day was a giant adventure for her, and when she was not playing fetch or chasing her canine sister, she wanted to snuggle.
Never have I met a dog who wanted to spend so much time just being held. She would fall asleep on any part of my body, one time on my head, oftentimes draped over my neck. Most of the time I spent at her house was spent just being a squishy pillow for her, and I couldn’t have been happier to oblige.
Her owners are incredibly kind and generous people, and they wanted to give her every chance to fight for a normal life. There could not have been better owners for this tiny little dog with the giant personality, and I am positive Lola led the fullest possible life she could have due to her owners’ love for her.
I knew that Lola’s little body would never make it as long as a dachshund’s should, but I was still unprepared for the text from the owner informing me that her body had given up the fight, even if her spirit hadn’t. I cried for an hour.
I am by no means saying that my loss is greater than that of her owners. I’m sure the decision to end her suffering was truly heartbreaking, and I can’t even imagine how difficult that had to be. But I do know that I felt her loss deeply, and she will be missed when I go to visit her home to care for her cat and dog sisters. I can only hope to learn from her example and live each day to the fullest, despite any obstacles that may come my way.
(Sarah Caton owns All Paws Pet Sitting, which serves all of Lincoln County.)
