Nola from NOLA

“Dogs’ lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you’re going to lose a dog, and there’s going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can’t support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There’s such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware that it comes with an unbearable price.” – Dean Koontz


Today we had to put our sweet dog, Nola to sleep. She was old and suffering and as hard as it was, it had to be done. We had the vet come to our house and even then, I questioned whether we were making the right decision.

Animals are lucky in that they don't understand that life is so fragile and finite. For humans we know that there is a beginning and an end and all the things that come in between those two points. All Nola knew were the things that came in between those two points; the love, the food, the treats, the toys, the smells, the walks, the hugs, the kisses and being part of a pack who adored and protected her.

 Nola came from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina of 2005 (hence the name). She traveled in an 18 wheeler with a whole lot of other dogs to our local Pet Smart. I happened to be buying dog food at the store the day that she and all her truck mates were on "display". I fell love with her when I saw her sweet face and funny looking body. When the volunteer asked me if I'd be so kind as to walk her, I was hooked. Nola was Basset, Corgi, Lab, Beagle and Dachshund.  She had recently had puppies and dearly missed her babies who were rescued from the hurricane and never seen again.

We brought her home and she fit right in with her doggie sister Rosie and cat sister, Kittie. She had heart worms, wasn't fixed, had thyroid problems and ultimately liver problems. She had arthritis and warts but we loved her with all of our hearts.

 


 
I would often look at various social media groups about missing Hurricane Katrina pets. I was afraid to say anything in case someone would stake claim to her and demand that she be returned. Looking back now I know that I'd never return her. We were smitten.

Nola thought I was her mom or maybe she thought that she was my mom. Whatever the case, she followed me around and even when resting would constantly lift her head to gaze over at me. I'd tell her that I was fine and she'd rest for 10 more minutes or so and then lift her head in my direction again.
  

                                    I'm ok Nola, or at least I'll be ok a little bit later.

You can go freely into the sweet night and run like a puppy again. We will always love you and think about the sweet, quirky pup that you were. You were loved fiercely and abundantly. 


And we will miss you forever.