To My Beloved Rebel,
One year ago today, your young life was snuffed out by evil. As I laid in the floor with you and cradled your head in my arm I could feeling your dying breaths on my face. I looked into your chocolate brown eyes and I could feel your love. I miss your smile and wagging tail greeting me each morning as I let your mommy and daddy out to potty. You were so funny…you had to run up and nudge and kiss each of them before coming to me. Your mommy sulked and searched the yard for you for weeks after you died.
I really missed you this summer as I worked in the yard. I missed your sandpaper tongue on my face as I knelt in the flower garden. I remember how you would headbutt me if your licking didn’t get enough of my attention. You were so insistent….so cute.
As I look out the kitchen window, I still expect to catch you doing something silly. Like laying in the middle of the table, looking at me over your shoulder with that sweet, innocent face. Lol….The rest of your family laying on the ground around the table looking at me like "we didn’t do, we’re not on the table". Then there’s the time you were sound asleep, snoring, with your head propped on a rock from the fire ring on the patio. That had to have been one hard pillow dear Rebel. One of my favorite sights was looking out to see that you had pulled the cushion off my chaise lounge and was stretched out on it, sound asleep. You were in the sun like a human would be if trying to get a tan.
You were such a goofball. So many times I’d think "I wish I’d gotten that on film" and the next thought would be "there’ll be plenty of other chances". But I was so wrong dear Rebel.
You were definitely the family clown. You were always so happy…….playing running and always so eager to please. You were scared of your own shadow and always ready to snuggle and cuddle.
I remember the night you were born like it was yesterday. You were born the night of my mothers’ funeral. I was in the doghouse with your mommy as she gave each of you life. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It was such a thrill to hold you in my arms when you were born.
I held you as you came into this world and I held you as you left your Earthly body behind. I know you are with God, the Angels and lots of friends who’ve also crossed the Rainbow Bridge. But I miss you terribly and cry for you each day. Thank you so much for the joy you brought in your four short years of life. I love you so very much.
Your brother and best friend, Rex mourned for you for months as he recovered from the gunshot wounds he received the same time you were killed. He lost weight (we both did) as he refused to eat. He refused to play or interact with anyone. He didn’t even want to go outside. In time his physical wounds healed but his heart was still broken. Several months later, a furball of energy
came into our lives and the healing really began. As you watch us from above, I want you to know the new, little rambunctious squirt you see is NOT your "replacement". Bruno has helped your family heal. But NO one ……. Nothing will ever replace you dearest Rebel. The place you hold in my hear is Forever YOURS!
To this day your pen and house stands empty. When I look into Rex’s pen, I never know who will be asleep in the house or on top of it. But, I know yours will be empty. Occasionally your mom will walk around in there. Sometimes your dad will go in your house, turn a couple circles inside then stand in the door looking out at me as if to say, "Where is he? Where is my son?"
" Heaven, daddy, your son is in Heaven"
