Losing A Pet

Posted on: December 28, 2015 | Misc. 

Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows it is not an easy thing to go through.

A little over 16 years ago, my mom and step-dad told us we were getting a new puppy.  This may not seem like a big deal, but before that the only pet we were allowed to have were gerbils.

In case you didn’t know…gerbils do not like to cuddle!

My parents had found a breed that should be easy on my step-dad’s allergies and we got to go look at the litter and pick out of the ones that were not already claimed.  We went to someone’s house, sat on their kitchen floor, and got to play with these adorable fluffy white furballs.  In the midst of about 6 rambunctious puppies and 3 kids, this teeny, tiny pup came and sat in my lap.  I continued to play with the other puppies, but this little thing stayed curled up in my lap like he knew he was home.

We went out to the car to discuss which one we all wanted.  While there were 2 that everyone was arguing over, I insisted on the runt of the bunch.  I was 16 and knew I wasn’t going to be in the family home much longer, but I was adamant this was our dog.  Finally the rest of the family came around and they went back in to give them our choice.

I already loved him.

Popcorn was more than a dog, he was a family member.  I used to bring him with me everywhere, long before it was the cool thing to carry dogs in purses.  He was my front seat companion.  When I moved out at 18, I would come pick him up to have sleepovers at my apartment.  He was always my dog, even when we didn’t live together.

He had many issues over the years.  My parents dealt with his many medications, anal issues, and even the fact he had to become a vegetarian due to his allergy to animal proteins.  He went from being a spritely puppy, to a normal dog that only played when he felt like it, to a solemn old man who only wanted sit and sleep.  He became mostly blind and deaf and was losing his sense of smell.  He was in pain which caused his legs to give out from under his tiny, frail body.  He was ready.

Today, my beloved childhood pet was released of his earthly body.  He joined some amazing people in heaven who will take great care of him for us.  Popcorn, you will always be remembered fondly and with much love.  You were never just a dog, you were family and we will always miss you.

Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows it is not an easy thing to go through.

Popcorn Wilder

April 9, 1999 – December 28, 2015

---