Who's That Girl?

Most people know that I have the sweetest miniature schnauzer named, Minnie. Named because of how tiny she was when we got her but also because of our love for Disney. Minnie has been an important family member, a blessing, for just over 15 beautiful years. It has been a pleasure caring for her, loving her and sharing in so many special moments with her over the years.  We struggled with having a child and so when Minnie came into our lives, she literally was our baby.  We didn’t care how crazy we may have looked or sounded – she was our precious fur baby. 

Minnie has been by our sides through everything – every sad moment, happy moment and all the other stuff in between. When Mila was going through all her health issues, she often snuggled up against me late at night when I was up feeling scared or when I would have my private crying moments as mother’s do and she gave me the soothing support I needed in those secret moments. She snuggled up to Mila once she came home from the hospital after her surgeries as the protective guardian and she definitely snuggled tighter and tighter to Mark through his journey. I can’t tell you how many photos I have of them attached to each other. They really were the true definition of man and his best friend. Over the last few years with Covid and working from home, Minnie had become my shadow. She was at my feet or by my side at all times and I am so grateful to have had that extra time with her and even more so during the transition and emotional rollercoaster that has been my reality the last few years. I felt safe, comforted and at peace with each snuggle or when she would just put her head on my shoulder as if to say, “I got you mom”. Most nights she would be pushing me off the bed from trying to get in tighter or closer as a reminder that I wasn’t alone.

Animals truly are the sweetest and most selfless beings when it comes to their owners. The way they look up at you when you are leaving for work for the day, the greeting you get at the door once we return, the prancing and excitement when you say the words “wanna go for a walk?” The peace and tranquility they bring to the home is remarkable. As she aged and her energy, excitement and even her memory wasn’t the same she still gave me moments where she had a burst of energy, hopping around like a bunny and it was as if she was a young pup again but sadly those faded too.

She began aging rapidly this last year. No longer able to do those beautiful long walks and hikes like we used to; it took too much energy for even short little steps. She no longer barked like she used too – I miss hearing those ear-piercing sounds she would let out with every animal or person that was in her space or heaven forbid close to her human family. She was a beautiful part of our family, my first life, and a big part of my heart.

Sadly, she left this earth today gently, peacefully, in her mama’s arms and with her little sister beside her as she made her way over the infamous rainbow bridge. I picture her running full speed ahead with the wind pushing her furry ears all the way back and running directly into her daddy’s arms. I picture them going on those beautiful long hikes together again, sharing treats and snuggling up just as they used to. It is now her daddy’s turn to have her back and as much as my heart hurts right now, I know they are happy being together again. I will cherish every single memory we made together; from the moment you ran to me and chose me as your mommy on the day we went to pick you up all the way to holding you tight during your last breath my beautiful, sweet Moshi. I will love you with all my heart for eternity and until we are all reunited again, rest well and be at peace my sweet, sweet, Minnie.

LM