Penny, Heidi, Angel, and other dogs we've lost

I saw this image today on Tumblr, and it reminded me of my dear sweet Penny. Penny loved bubbles and we could blow them for hours at her, jumping up and down with the joy of a young puppy no matter how old she was.  She was one of those dogs that was one in a million, where she was kind, generous with her time and her affection, and always seemed to live each day profoundly grateful that she had such a loving home.

Her sister Heidi, on the other hand, is best represented by this photo. Very intense, very observant, and always interested in something. Heidi had an obsession with eating bumblebees and very small insects like flies and spiders. She was always the epitome of the "fire dog" - strong, focused, and aloof. And yet, she had her own soft side, she loved to sit with you, she loved to warm herself under the covers and she loved to sit in the sun, soaking up what Minnesota heat she could.

Angel, on the other hand, was not my dog, but felt like part of the family. She was exuberance personified - fun loving, affectionate and wanting to play ALL the time. Every time I saw her it felt like she was very happy, and she indulgently put up with whatever her humans demanded, including dress up (here she's wearing a favorite bandanna). Her joy spread throughout my husband's family.

Bat Bat and Cocoa were Pekingese that were my mother's when I was young. I don't remember much of them, but I remember their fondness for mischief, long naps, and letting me pet them even though I was probably too rough on them as a young child.

On this day, I would like to give thanks for those fleeting moments that stay with one for a lifetime when one allows the companionship of a pet of any kind into your life. They have such an impact on your life that you hardly realize it while its happening. With my dog companions over time I have learned patience, enjoyment of the simple things in life, and to be calm even in crisis. They have also taught me how to enjoy joy and fun, and when to display restraint even when something doesn't particularly feel good.

Is there a dog or cat that you miss?