Aphrodite

I always made sure that every day of Aphrodite's was filled with nothing but love, comfort and happiness. And she always did the same for me. I know we'll be together again. She was my pet, my companion and my best friend.

I was 15 years old when Aph and I met. I was a shy teenager and she was a long little stringbean of a puppy. It was love at first sight. She was there as I grew up. Her love gave me the courage to reach out and make my first real friendships. She was there when I went on my first date, and when I got home, it was her that I told about my first kiss. She was there when I graduated high school. She was there when I got my first job, when I was forced to leave nursing school, and when I moved across the country to a new place where I didn't know anyone.

When she got older and developed diabetes, the love and care she needed to stay healthy became my top priority. She got insulin twice a day, every day, for six years. When I couldn't be there, I made sure someone she loved and trusted could be there in my stead. If nobody could be there, she simply went with me. All my friends knew we were a package deal. Love me, love my dog.

When she lost her vision to diabetc cataracts, I took her for long walks with her harness and I could always feel her fuzzy little side against my leg. Our favorite destination was the playground down the street. She loved to romp in the grass, wagging happily to share her joy in all the smells she found. She loved going on the swings. I liked that, too. We'd usually go in the evening when we could have them all to ourselves. She'd snuggle up on my lap with her head facing forward, into the wind, and I'd swing us gently back and forth. She'd put her nose up, catching scents on the air. After a while, the rhythm of swinging made her sleepy and she'd put her head on my arm and close her eyes.

In spite of her diabetes and losing her vision, she was always so full of wiggles and joy. In her last years with me, Aph saw with her heart, and that's the truest, most important way to see of all.

Nicole Ernst