Elvis has left the building

It has been 46 days now.  46 days since I had to say goodbye to my sweet Elvis. I won't lie, It crushed me. It was if all of the people in my life who have meant so much to me, died all over again and at the same time.  It was all of that and more. It changed me, forever.

I have had dogs and cats my whole life, but please believe me when I say, this relationship was different.  I loved all of them, spoiled them rotten, but Elvis was more.  He came into my life when he was six weeks old and for the past 10 years had been my shadow, always within arms reach, always patiently at my feet and always loving me. If I was sick, or if I was sad he would comfort me in his quiet fashion. All big brown eyes and warmth. He would smile at me and he never passed up a chance for a hug or a kiss. Mostly, he was perfectly content and happy to just be with me.

As the years passed, he started to loose his sight, he slowed down as an aging dog would, but his love and his need to be with me, never changed.  He was loyal and had the biggest heart and no matter what, he would not fail in his mission. Until that one day, that day when he could not push past the pain and I had to let him go.

Each day that passes does not become easier, rather it becomes something else.  A new emotion.  I learned this when I lost my Father. I also know that the void will never be filled and at some point I will be able to look back with fond and cherished memories. But for now, I still cry, I miss him so very much and my feet are cold.