In Memory of Marilla

(Craig writes) Sad news, our little dog Marilla died on 9-23. We had enjoyed her for almost 15 years. She, (Marilla), allowed me to refer to her as "our pet" over the years but she had bonded with Becky the day we got her and never forgot the puppy/one-owner bond. Marilla was actually an "empty nest present" that I had gotten Becky as our children were beginning to leave home to go to college and find their way in the world. As a tiny 13 ounce chihuahua puppy we had to be extra careful handling her. Since Marilla had bonded so throughly with Becky she tried to stay as close as possible to her all the time. This necessitated the "shuffle step method" of walking around the dog to keep from accidently stepping on her. Marilla joined us on vacation a few times but really preferred to be a home dog staying at our home and visiting with family or neighbors who came in to check on her, always excited to see us, (actually Becky), when we returned. She was a good dog for us over the years and will be missed. Since we were out of town when she died Becky's mom, Billie, and our son-in-law, Tim, handled the burial arrangements. Marilla now rests beneath a pine tree beside other beloved pets that our two oldest grandchildren, Addison and Whitman, have lost over the years. Addie and Whit go to the grave daily to put fresh flowers on it and keep it tidy. One of the hardest lessons in life, people and animals we love don't last forever. Enjoy them while you can.