White Dog saw that Steve and Quinn were having a very hard time with the death of Milo. Quinn moped around all morning and even lacked enthusiasm for breakfast. He kept looking for his green girlfriend but she was not on her perch, or anywhere in the office, not in the tub, and not even out on the front porch. Steve could hardly stand going into the office where her perch and platform and window ledges all reminded him of the tough little iguana who truly trusted no other human beside him to carry her or cuddle her, or trim her claws. At the grocery he got a little misty as he walked past the greens; "Won't need to buy lizard greens anymore," he quietly said.
White Dog and I decided that we needed to hold a wake for Milo. It would be an opportunity to remember her and talk about her antics. We called Gregg, Candace and Dragon. Gregg and Candace lived in our building back in Chicago and knew Milo from the first day we brought her home with her crippled blackened leg.
We laughed when Gregg remembered Milo slipping out of Steve's hands in their apartment and scampering across the rug on the first day she came to live with us. We recalled the time she disappeared for a week right after we put in the dog door here in Albuquerque. The four of us spent days climbing trees and ladders and posting fliers, certain that she had escaped into the great outdoors...but she hadn't! White Dog led us to her, cold and motionless crouched way behind some stored furniture in the basement. White Dog was our hero for months because of her successful search and rescue; she acted as though she wondered why we hadn't asked for her help earlier.
We shared food as we remembered, including a cherry pie that Candace had baked with cherries from their yard (Milo loved cherries and they left her entire jaw stained red for days). At the end of the evening Quinn was acting a little less depressed and Steve had actually smiled.
The cycle of life continues but those who have moved on are not forgotten. Milo is a part of our group history and our life story...her legacy includes you, dear readers, who will never fail to smile when you think about the power of love that united a big fluffy rescued Eskie and a feisty old three-legged Lizard Lady.
13 comments:
What a pawesome way to keep her spirit going amongst all that know her in some fashion!
BTW, Mom and I are so proud of Michael and his shelter khommitment!
We hope he reached his goal fur Sunday!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
The circle of life does move on...but not without sadness and missing the ones who've gone before us. What a way to celebrate Milo's life. We know she was smiling from the other side of the Bridge.
Love,
Teddy Bear
That was a lovely way to celebrate Milo's life and yes I truly believe she would have been watching with approval. I a glad that Steve finished the day with a smile. Thanks for more of an insite into the life of Milo.. HUgs GJ x
What a wonderful tribute to Milo.
We’re sure that she will bring much happiness and sunshine to the other little ones over the Bridge.
Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie
That is great that you were all able to get together and share stories about Milo. We are sad that she is gone too, even though we never met her and didn't know too much about her, what we did know we loved! We hope Steve and Quinn will be ok - it has to be hard for Quinn because you can't really explain what is going on and why she is gone. Be sure to give him some extra cuddles for a little while, so he knows it will be ok. And give him some cuddles from us - we know it is hard to loose a friend who has been around for so long.
Great post. I miss a couple of days and so much happens....I am so sorry to hear about Milo. Take care.
we are so sad about the loss of Milo. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. We have a letter that is LONG overdue that mom has to get started on- but now we hope you can find comfort in the thoughts and love we are sending your way.
My sisters and I just heard about Milo from Hansel and his family. We are so very, very sorry to hear that news. That was a very touching tribute and because you shared Milo will all of us we can remember your sweetie forever.
I wanted to stop by and offer my deep condolances for the loss of sweet Milo; she sounds like a wonderful baby and I am very sorry for your great loss...I've read about you guys at Amy's blog recently and now, Hansel's and was saddened to learn Milo had passed away...After looking at the page, I was even more distraught for you guys when I read that you had just lost Tortuga as well...Wishing you all comfort and peace during this sad time...xo...Jacqueline, Calle, Halle, Sukki
I've come via Hansel's blog to offer my condolences on Milo's passing, and Tortuga's as well. What gorgeous patterns and colouring he had.
It really doesn't matter what the species; non-human Beings are as much a part of our family as humans--and often the bonds we have are far stronger with our non-human family members.
Please know I'm sending you universal healing Light and wishing you all Blessings and Peace.
-Kim
That's a fine way to celebrate the life of a friend, remembering all the good times...that way our loved ones live on, in our hearts.
{{{hugs}}}
Gypsy & Tasha & Karen (Mum)
What a great thing to do. I love hearing stories about loved ones from the past, especially the good times.
It's nice to remember all the good times from before, as well as the recent times, like her love for Quinn.
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