A Year has Passed

Makayla Memory Corner

A year has passed since Makayla, my faithful friend, passed.  

I think of her every day and sometimes wonder whether I should get another dog? But I know it would not be fair to whatever dog might join our family; he or she could never measure up to Makayla. Finnegan is trying his best to be the big dog in the house.

I created a memory book for Makayla, and I recently made one for Riordin. In that book on the last page is a letter that I wrote to her shortly after she passed. It still brings me to tears, but on this one year anniversary I decided to publish it.

Makayla
(November 8, 2008 - October 10, 2022)

Dear Makayla, 

I miss you. I do not want to forget the 14 years we were together and wish I could say the following to you.

I don’t think I said “good dog” enough, but you were.

You were a great dog and companion. I never realized how much I loved you and appreciated your even temper until you passed. I hope I never forget your special love for not only me but everyone you met.

Why is there such a big hole in my heart? Big enough to drive a train through? Because your heart was bigger than mine and you loved me unconditionally.

You were the best part of me.

I miss sharing my sandwich and toast with you. You always got the last corner. And my eggs and other small scraps. You could eat corn right off the cob and I loved the way you enjoyed eating it. 

I miss saying, “OK kid, let’s go out”

I’m sorry I called you “old woman” as you slowed down, but it was out of respect

I miss your greeting each time I came in the house

I miss the way you used to lay right behind the door—so you could be the first one to greet us as we arrived.

I miss the clacking of your nails on the stairs, and the floors.

I listened for you to come up the stairs last night. 

I miss your piercing look—the look that just effused love and trust. You always seemed to be asking, what do you want to do next?

I miss the way you used to gobble down your morning treat before I served breakfast. 

I want to remember the last time I held you and you relaxed from your labored breathing and then crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 

I want to remember that you were always there. Sometimes underfoot, but definitely my dog. 

I hope I did not let you down at the end. That I was there for you like you were always there for me. 

I miss your fluff.

I miss your dark piercing eyes. 

I miss watching the sun come up while you did your business in the yard.

I miss searching for your poop in the darkness. 

I miss the way you wandered off to the side yard to do your business and sometimes you just seemed to say, "don’t hurry me, we are on my time."

I miss the way you loved the snow. I always laughed at your youthful antics digging and enjoying the cold white stuff.

I miss the the way you snuck around to eat Finnegan’s food when he was through. 

I remember how you loved to walk on the pool cover and pee. It makes me laugh to think of it now, although I did not find it funny then.

Some days when I was working in the garage or around the house, you would just lay in the driveway in the sun and keep a watchful eye on me.

You used to love to go on “road trips.”

I wish I could hold you and scratch your head just one more time. And smell your fur.

We were together almost 14 years and yet, it seems to have passed too quickly. 

Rest in peace my faithful friend and companion. 

Love

Dad

--Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL