It is a
very safe and easy bet to make that there is no one who hated my dog more than
me. She drove me crazy! She made saying family prayer (or for that matter, anything semi-important in the Clegg
household) as easy as raining in a wild horse. She complicated “spontaneous”
weekend plans. She left one or two scars on just about everyone in the family
when she was having her less-than-pleasant moments. She barked. She ate things
she wasn’t supposed to. She scratched at your bedroom door at 4 in the morning.
She was, in my not so humble opinion, a pain. With all that being said, I’d
take it all back because there is no dog I’m going to miss more than my little
scooter, Abby.
For the
past 6 months or so, Abby has been unable to use her right front leg on account
of terribly painful arthritis. Some days it was so tender that she could hardly
stand to be touched. Recently, it’s gotten so bad that she could only lie down
and take short breaths. While there have been some very close calls, sweet Abby
made it to today, when we decided it was time for her to go and be healthy and
free again. We celebrated Abby’s 10th birthday on Saturday and let
her go home to Aunt Brenda and Papa Joe this morning at 11 a.m. She is now
resting in “Abby’s Garden” in my parent’s backyard, where mom and dad have
worked hard to make it look nice for our little puppy.
It’s a
common joke in my family that I hate[d] Abby the most and yet I was the one
that made it possible for her to come into our family. Once upon a time, the
Clegg’s were moving from Oregon to Utah and dad asked each of us girls what we
wanted in a new house. Elise answered that she didn’t care about architecture,
but simply wanted a dog. Dad will sorely disagree with this, but he DID say, “okay”.
Fast forward to two years later and we’re living in Draper, Utah, but without a
puppy. It was the day before Elise’s 15th birthday and dad and I
were in the hallway when I and my 11 year old attitude called him a “promise-breaker”.
It must have done the trick because the next day, mom and dad gave Elise a dog
for her birthday. Even though it’s still an ongoing argument in our home
whether dad actually said he would
get Elise a dog when we moved (he DID by the way), I feel I have enough
evidence from today alone that we’re all grateful she did. Abby blessed each of
our lives in a very special and unique way and she is going to be greatly
missed from our family and our home.
Though to everyone else, I spent the majority of
my breath complaining about my little fluff ball of a doggie, Abby and I had
our special moments too. Without doubt, since I was in 6th grade,
Abby knew when I would be home from school and as I walked up the front step,
her little “happy face” waited for me through the window and gave me loves as I
walked through the door. There were certainly times in high school when mom and
dad would be out of town and Abby kept me “safe” when the house went creak, in
the night. She’s also accompanied me on plenty of trips up the mountain, a top
of Suncrest, to look at the valley and think or cry on rough nights. She can be
a pretty good snuggle bug when she needs to be. Most memorably, however, has
been my time in college, when I haven’t seen her every day, but in times of
pain or confusion, she was there when all I needed was someone to simply listen.
Abby knew [knows] probably the most about me and the best part is she still met
me at the front door, tail wagging, to greet me as I came home. She still
curled up next to me on the floor or bed. She still loved me just the same.
Mom insisted Abby and I take a picture on the morning I moved out to live in the BYU dorms. So glad we did now!
How is it that dogs can just plant themselves
into your lives and hearts? We’ve had Abby for 10 years and today, it felt like
we lost a member of our family. I can count on one hand what and how many times
I have seen my father cry. Today would be number 4.
Abby, we love you. Please never forget us. Last
night I said that while Abby’s waiting for us, Aunt Brenda’s going to put her
in some leathers and take her for a motorcycle ride. Mom disagreed. She thought
she’d be hanging out with Papa Joe and with a bit of luck, he could give her a
few pointers on manners. Wherever or whoever she’s with, I hope she’s in a
better place and she’s no longer suffering. Miss you sissy! Even though you
drove me up the wall, I’ll never forget you and I’ll always be grateful for
what you did for me and my family.
Loves!
Love you, Abby!
