Of the puppies that remained a few days after your chaotic start to life, you were the largest girl. Born at 9.2 Oz, dropped to 8.8 by the following morning…and there you stayed for quite a few days.
The other puppies started sucking on you and Levi, so much so, that at two weeks old we moved you both to a separate area so that your genitals could heal as they had become infected.
You were the most vocal during tube feeding, screeching so loud at times that I had no idea sounds that loud could come from such a tiny little being. You fought me and were the strongest. As you grew, you became the quiet one. The peaceful one. The one who wanted held the most. The one who also went off and had me searching for you time after time because you would find the tiniest little nook and tuck yourself away from the chaos of the other pups. Girl needed her beauty rest. And it has done you well.
You didn’t cause trouble, you stayed in the middle of the pack and went with the flow. You always waited until last to eat, whether because you wanted to sneak in extra cuddles and snuggles or because you were not the competitive type with your brothers and sisters remains a mystery. I think a little of both.
You were always the most timid in new situations, and I respect that. It’s a huge world out there and after the start you had, I can’t say I would want to leave the safety of my known world either…. But with clovers help, you flourished.
You are playful, you are brilliant, you are gorgeous and my heart overflows with love for you. It always will.
You are part of the best litter of pups I’ve ever had. You’re a fighter, you’re strong, and you will be amazing.
You fought hard—a mom who rejected you, being born too early, not being strong enough to drink, dehydration issues, bacterial and fungal infections from not having a proper immune system, subQ fluids, learning to suckle and everything else along the way. You fought for this life.
People tell me I’ll miss you, and honestly that irritates me because of course I will. I have loved you, cared for you and we both worked extremely hard to get you to where you are. Sleepless nights and days, exhaustion, tears, frustration…. I’ve never in my life had to put so much effort every moment into anything as much as I have with you.
You and your siblings—you are my opus. My lifetime orchestra, the most beautiful Melody of the story of life that I have ever known.
Will I miss you? How could I not? I was there when you were born and every moment since, until you went to your forever. 13 weeks and two days of loving the most perfect being.
I wish you the absolute best life you could ever dream of baby girl. And I know you’ll have it 💜