Farewell Sweet Lulubelle

This is a memorial to my former foster dog Abby who became Lulubelle. I've had her on the blog before. She was so tiny when I got her, and I had to buy her a little coat to stay warm. It was February, 2008. I had an application for her very quickly-- and went to do a home check. I met Fran and Jason. and their son Memo-- and fell in love with this family. They had the sweetest hearts I've seen and a gentleness as they talked with Abby/Lulubelle. I just knew this was the home for my little foster girl.

She was cherished, given little clothes to wear and very pretty dog bed. She was the princess.

Her very best friend-- besides her mom and dad-- was Nubby. I loved Nubby, too! I've a big Peke person, but this Boston Terrier could have just come home with me.

Lulubelle had a wonderful life. She explored the yard.

She stayed close to Nubby--

Her mom and dad adopted/saved two Chihuahuas, too, when they were being "thrown out" by the person who had bred them over and over. I was able to visit Lulubelle and her mom because they lived near me in Virginia. Fran became a very special person to me-- she calls me her Virginia mom. It was an honor to be called that.

They moved back to California, and I knew I would miss them. But, with emails and blogs, I was able to keep updated on their family. It was with shock that I received a call this week from Fran, telling me that Lulubelle had died in her little pink bed in her sleep. When we got her into rescue, we thought she was about 8 years old. She had been found wandering down a highway, in the winter, in the rain. We thought she had years to live-- but we were wrong. What she did have was a wonderful, loving family for over a year and a half. I just wish it was longer.

Fran sent me a eulogy for her Lulubelle. I want to post it here.

"I remember the day I met Linda and a little golden ball of fluff my family and I named Lulubelle, a petite sweet senior Peke who I fell in love with immediately. Though skittish at first, she learned we were there to give her nothing but love, and she gave us so much more in return. I met Linda, and both her and Lulu became members of our family. Lulu was a cute as a button firecracker, who soon became the alpha dog and big sister to our other pups. It gives me comfort to know she didn't pass away in some shelter, or in some stranger's cold floor unloved, but in our bedroom on her tiny pink bed, loved.
We will always love you and miss you baby Lu.
Your fur brother and sisters miss you more than you can imagine (even if you stole their beds all the time) :)
I miss seeing your tail peeking out from under our blankets.
I love you Lulu.

I Stood By Your Bed +++

I stood by your bed last night,

I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying,

You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me.

"You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is almost over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say, "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

— Author Unknown

Rest in peace, sweet Lulubelle. We miss you.