Samhain

Time, sometimes the time just slips away
And you're left with yesterday, left with the memories.
I'll always think of you and smile, and be happy for the time I had you with me.
Though we go our separate ways, I won't forget
So don't forget the memories we've made.

Please remember, please remember
I was there for you and you were there for me
Please remember, our time together
The time was yours and mine and we were wild and free
Please remember, please remember me

Goodbye, there's just no sadder word to say
And it's sad to walk away with just the memories
Who's to know what might have been?
We'll leave behind a life and time we'll never know again.

And how we laughed and how we smiled
And how this world was yours and mine
And how no dream was out of reach
I stood by you, you stood by me

We took each day and made it shine
We wrote our names across the sky
We ran so fast, we ran so free
I had you and you had me
LeAnn Rimes, "Please Remember"

Samhain was a beautiful German Shepherd named after the pagan ritual of harvest's end. Her registered name was Midnight Harvest. Born on August 29, 2021, she came home just days before Halloween. Like any puppy, she was hard not to fall in instant love with.

For a couple months, everything was about as perfect as it could be. We worked every day on our goals. We played for hours. We dreamt of the future, and growing old together.

Everything shattered when a routine vet visit revealed heart disease. We met the news with suspicion. It couldn't possibly be true. Christmas was overshadowed by uncertainty, but we were confident it had to be a mistake.

January 2nd, 2022. Her first echocardiogram revealed the truth. At just four months old, her scan revealed she had a dysfunctional heart, and was at risk of sudden death. I clung to her as I cried.

I named this wolf in honor of Samhain. Her little life held so much promise. I will always remember our adventures. Binge-watching Brooklyn 99 and timers set for hourly potty breaks. Gently trying to stop you from tearing up the rug. Laughing as you bullied a dog six times your size because he's a pushover and would've done anything for you. Watching your soft brown eyes go wild at the sight of a bite rag. Hearing your forceful barks trying to sound more fierce than you were. I'm forever sorry that I couldn't save you. Forever sorry you didn't celebrate a birthday. I'm so thankful my parents were able to meet you. I'm so thankful they got to know you for four weeks.

Until we meet again, Sam.