My Ivy Girl

 April 12, 2024

My Girl

Eulogy

June 5, 1989 - June 25, 2001

Ivy came to me by way of a blind customer, David. Ivy was 7 years old and had less than 6 months to live. I suggested to Dave to retire Ivy and unselfishly he retired his loyal friend and lived 2 months without a service dog.I was so honored to have Ivy. She experienced every activity and luxury that most dogs take for granted.

She never had to step on a public bus again never had to bear the weight of responsibility. Ivy lived free to run and play ball, to sleep on my bed and go to the bathroom wherever and whenever she wanted. Everyday, I expected it to be her last. She should have died in 6 months, but 5 years later, getting old but still happy, I put her to sleep and never wanted her to feel the duty of hanging in there, not even for me. All I can think about now is how much I want her back.

My sweet Ivy. My wilting flower Ivy. You got me through some really hard times. And I was so sad to see you leave June 25, 2001.  Twenty-three years ago, I said good-bye. I turned on Judge Joe Brown like we always did at ten o'clock. And the vet came and shaved you leg. You didn't like that. And then you jumped when he inject the stuff in you to put you to sleep. I am so sorry it startled you. I meant it to be peaceful. I love you girl.

Ivy girl, I came to Vancouver Island, BC for my 56th birthday. I didn't want it to suck. Again, I am going through another divorce. The day you died, I left Paul. I wanted to leave sooner but I didn't think you could handle a move but I made that vow 2 years prior, they day you die, I will leave. And I did.  

Recently, I have been putting handfuls of your ashes in the deep pools of rivers in Oregon. Scout even sniffed your ashes and ah-chooed! Remember how I put you on top of the waterfall with Dad's ashes and I watched you go over? I said, "See you at the bottom" and I raced down, but it took me much too long. I know you perched yourself along the many ledges of that side waterfall.

I found a final resting place for you girl. Long Lake, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC. Nanaimo Highway is the west, and the shore line in south has a park and a public dock. I saw a black bunny and mallard ducks by the dock. The north shore is a resort, and the east and south shore are lined with lake view homes, all with their own docks.

From the sandy shore where the playground is, I noticed 2 swimming docks in the lake yonder. The kids must come swim there in the summer. I think this might be a good place for you to rest. I put a third of you to the right of the dock so you could see the houses. I put a third of you to the left of the dock so you could see the highway. 

I know you are a city dog. Never left Los Angeles. The best I did was take you to the doggy park so you could run free. Remember how you ran and ran until the pads came off your feet? My poor girl. I put neosporin on your paws for 2 weeks until they healed. Tender feet. I love you so. 

You were happy. You loved chasing the big red ball and remember Dakota and Megan. Kota was your boyfriend. I wish I had the means to leave earlier with you and live like Megan and Dakota. You were so fragile and I think the apartment tenants like Hal and Hubbie and Debbie made you very happy and safe. They all had unsalted pretzels for you.

Remember how you walked across the pool cover at Steve's house and he laughed at you? You were so smart. You thought it was solid ground. I know you didn't like swimming. We tried at Colbath pool and you kinda sank. I had to hold you up and get you to the steps of the pool. Just thought you would like water. Most labs do. But that's what made you special. You really were a city girl. So you understand that in the city, there are beautiful places, peaceful places ... like this lake.

After I left some of your ashes at Long Lake I met Art. He sails remote control sail boats there every Friday with his team mates to practice of international races. How fascinating! Then I KNEW this was the perfect place for you. I put the last third of your ashes on the shallow shore looking at the boats and you can see the swimming docks and hear the highway from there. Because you would be happy there to see the kids in the summer, the old men EVERY Friday. And you are in the city, but also at the lake, a civilized lake. Not all wild and crazy. And Jess can watch over you. She's the Airbnb lady. She's pretty amazing and I want you to be surrounded by love.

Oh Ivy, I bet you didn't think you'd ever see Oregon and now Canada! You have travelled all over USA with me for decades. Your ashes were my most cherished possession. After I left you ashes, I visited you two more times over 24 hours, just to see if your ashes had been taken away by the current. But no, you were still there 24 hours later. Just as bright as you always were to me. I looked forward to seeing you every day. Not one moment was a burden to me. You were a gift. I thought I had saved you, but you saved me. 

It was harder to leave all of you in BC than leaving Dad. I suppose because you were my girl. So sweet, strong yet fragile. I love you. Thank you for always being with me. I know when I used to see 222, I thought it was you. I am glad you never left me. 

I heard what you said when I left your remains at Long Lake. You said, "Thank you. This is a nice place." Be well Ivy. We are both free. I am keeping your box and I will repurpose it for something special. Something as special as you were to me. 

I bet the clouds have been soft on your feet all these years.