Sweet as: Kayla

I’ve never had to say goodbye to a pet before.  Well, I guess we did bury a parakeet when I was 11-ish (poor thing had a teeny tiny brain tumor and couldn’t stand upright on his perch anymore). But today feels monumentally worse.

I adopted Kayla exactly 11 years ago yesterday. I found the original paperwork from the Humane Society while going through the pile of medical records that I wanted to turn over – I hadn’t realized that this would be the anniversary of that day. I remember bringing her home, both of us a little on edge, wondering if this pairing would work out. And she’s been my constant companion since then, moving from place to place, surviving my life alongside me as a comforting, furry bundle of love. I am so grateful for our time together.

Today I surrendered Kayla. A lovely woman named Barbara Rodriguez who runs an animal rescue organization in Brooksville, Florida, called Elfie’s Refuge, took her in. While Kayla doesn’t fit the usual criteria, Barbara was the one big-hearted person who was willing to accept a “senior” dog into her family, and for that I will forever be indebted. And while I understand intellectually that this is the best possible answer given the circumstances, it is also probably the most difficult day I’ve had in a long time. Handing over Kayla – albeit to the kindest set of women I could have asked for in this situation – was painful. She’s my little monkey, and I will miss her so very much.

I know that Kayla will be well cared for. I know that she’ll make friends with her new housemates, and she’ll be happy and healthy. And I’ll be able to keep up with her adventures through the personalized page that Barbara set up on her website. I know this is the right answer, but I already miss her. ♥