Saying goodbye is hard, really really hard. Today we had to say goodbye to a good friend. For the past nearly ten years, Tika was a faithful companion and a true friend. We loved her dearly and her absence leaves a deep hole in our hearts.
It was nearly ten years ago that Kirsten kept sending me puppy pictures. Puppy after puppy I turned down until one day I got to looking at adoptable pups for myself. Looking at pictures of puppies from the Wenatchee humane society, something about this little black pit/lab mixed pup caught my attention.
Something about that cute face and glint in her eye caught my attention. I sent her picture to Kirsten and said, “how about this one?” It was love at first sight and Kirsten brought her home shortly after. She was about 3 months old.
Over the past ten years, she led an awesome life and taught me so much. She taught me about unconditional love, patience, and definitely about perseverance. When she had her mind set on something, she wouldn’t give up for anything. She could run like the wind and would only stop playing fetch when we forced her too. She loved my kids and was always gentle and kind with them.
We ran together, biked together, and even trained for half-marathons together (she stayed home on race days). Kirsten always felt safer on the trail with Tika by her side and slept better knowing Tika was on the bed if ever I had to be gone. She was beautiful, strong, courageous and always the epitome of what a best friend ought to be.
Today was really, really hard. It is difficult to believe things will get easier, but I know deep down that time will help to ease this deep hurt. She will never be forgotten and never replaced. She will live on in our hearts and in all of the wonderful memories we have of her.
As I grieve, I am going to try and smile about all of the good times that we had together. I am so thankful for the time she was with us. She made me a better person and is going to be dearly missed.
Here’s to you Tika, thank you for loving us unconditionally and giving us your whole heart. Thank you for always loving and living with all you had in you. We will miss you!
Such a sweet story. So sorry for your loss!
Thanks Kaitlyn, she was sure special!
Jordan and Kirsten, the sadness is so deep and the loss very real. My heart hurts for your hurting heart!
Thanks Patti, hard to believe it can hurt so much. I’m reflecting on all of the good memories and that has helped! What an amazing life she had, glad she got to spend it with us!
Beautiful reflections.
Thanks!