Today we said goodbye to Emily, our friend for 16 years. She came into my family while I was still in high school, had yet to go to college, meet Stephanie, get married, and have Elise and Charlotte. Through all the changes in our lives she was the most consistent, loving, dependable, patient, and fun-loving dog I have ever known. She was also the bossiest!
Toby, Emily, and Holly
We met Emily the day we said goodbye to another dog, Valerie. The vet told us they had a young corgi who needed a home. She was the only one of her litter left alive after they were abandoned, with wire tied around their muzzles. Emily bore a scar from that her entire life. My dad and I waited, and suddenly this exuberant dog burst into the room, leaned against us and greeted us like long-lost family. She was the strangest looking dog I had ever seen - Short, brown spotted legs, a black and white body with lots of spots and a large saddle patch, a long bushy tail, thick ears ( like 1/4 inch thick!), and fur that constantly sprouted between her toes. It turned out that she was mistaken for a corgi, but was really an Australian Shepherd - our first "Bossy Aussie".
Over the years she was the part of many fun events - "Hurricane Emily" in the basement, being dressed up in camping clothes, taken on hikes, etc. Through it all she was patient with my brothers and I. I eventually left to go overseas for 1 year, and when I returned, she greeted me like I had never left. When I went to college and returned for breaks, Emily was always there, sticking her head between my knees for n ear scratch (which she taught Toby to do). When we adopted Toby, Emily helped teach him some good manners. And when my daughters were born, she greeted them with enthusiasm.
Over the past few months, she has slowly declined. It was time for the toughest, most responsible thing that goes with owning a dog. The end was peaceful, and when we finally pulled ourselves together this afternoon, and left the vet's, the weather had turned from grey overcast, to sun.
Thank you Emily, you were the best.
