Pet Tales

Sunshine of My Life
by Suzanne Lubkowski

I thought we would call her Misty; but when we got home my sister said, she isn't a Misty, she's a Sunshine! And Sunshine she was. She was the puppy with the face of a human, as our vet called her. And we came to find out with the personality of a wonderful human friend! Sunshine taught us the reason a dog is called dog -- switch the letters around and dog spells god! The love shared by a wonderful dog is certainly a gift from God that teaches us unconditional love, acceptance and joy. And Sunshine lived up to her name. She brightened our lives for thirteen and a half years. She really smiled and loved her family with such incredible unconditional love it still amazes me. When my daughter was two, we noticed that Sunshine needed a bath! My hubby called from the bathroom; hurry come quick! My daughter had put a rubber band around Sunshine's neck like a chain! We didn't hear a complaint from her although the skin was torn and raw. She had to have it stitched and spend an overnite at the vets. The biggest complaint we got from Sunshine was wearing the 'lampshade' around her neck to prevent her from scratching it open. We laughed as she bumped into tables and chairs and tried to get it off herself.

Everyone loved Sunshine even people who didn't care for dogs. She was more of a human than a dog. She understood our moods, comforted us when we were down and reveled in our joy. A couple years ago, Sunshine lost mobility in her back legs. We built her a cart to get around on; but after six months, it was apparent that we were holding on to her for our own sake and it was time to say good bye. She had blessed our lives with grace for over thirteen years. It was time for us to give her the gift of freedom. I asked Sunshine to give me a sign so I would know it was time to let her go. That week, she stopped eating. She let us love her for one more day hugging, holding and taking final pictures. She actually seemed full of joy as we carried her up to the vets. Symbolically, on the fourth of July weekend, we gave Sunshine her freedom to run and play again. She holds the most special place in all of our hearts !

We dedicate these words to our Sunshine:

You are our Sunshine!
Our only Sunshine!
You make us happy when skies are gray!
You'll never know, Dear, how much we love you!
You'll never take our Sunshine away!

About the Author: Suzanne Rose Lubkowski has a home-based health and wellness business, called Integrative Wellness. She has recently completed her Masters degree in Organizational Development and Learning; and is the proud wife of David and mom to Steven 12 and Kristin Rose, 8. Her websites are at Integrative Wellness and Face the Future (Use ID# NA33406 to log in).