losing Dennis

It's been over 4 years since Dennis died. He was just a little over 10 at that time. The good thing is, I can talk about him happily. Reminisce the years we spent with him. The not-so-happy part is…I still miss him soooo much!! Life would never be lonely if he was around. He'd keep me on my toes. He'd go crazy wagging his tail every time I returned home. He'd never let any moment be dull…

Sometimes I think of adopting a dog again. Now that the intense grief has subsided, maybe I am ready? But then I think of the time I lost Dennis. And the years that followed. I still cry when I think of that. I know so many people who have had numerous pets over the years. I am not saying they don't feel the pain when they lose a pet. But I can't imagine putting myself through it all over again. Then again…sometimes I wonder…maybe the unconditional love that a dog gives you makes the pain worthwhile? Maybe we need that sort of pain to be able to value love?

Losing Dennis was like losing a part of my life…a big furry chunk of it. I was in the 8th grade when we brought him home. It wasn't always easy having him around…but it was always fun. He was everything a dog should be - happy, friendly, loving, forgiving and always hungry :) He was probably what all people should be too!! Pretty soon, he became an indispensable part of my family and my life. Every morning, be greeted by his big goofy grin and a vigorous wagging of tail…if by chance I slept a little longer than usual he'd be on top of me…sniffing at my face and walking over me till I gave up and rolled out of bed. Till date, I hate waking up…but it wasn't so bad when Dennis woke me…I just couldn't be mad at him :)

A few years later, when my brother and I went off to college, I know for a fact that he played a Big role in helping my mum cope with the empty nest. He was the son who didn't abandon her. He was always there, no matter what. But then he wasn't. He got really sick. And the bleak possibility that he could die started materialising. It felt like the most awful time.

I still miss him so much.