Thursday, May 28, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brownie

Last August, during a weak moment (inserted into a weak week and an ever weaker month), Cynthia asked if she could take care of her friend's chihuahua. "Is it temporary?" I asked weakly. "Yes, Mommy," she assured me.

The moment that Brownie moved in, I knew that I had made a fatal error. (You can read the whole story, "Help, There's a Chihuahua in My Kitchen" here.) Brownie didn't care that she had an eviction notice. She was here to stay.

Brownie was a pain. She yapped at guests, terrorized the cats and annoyed Betty. She threw me into frantic yelling fits of "SERENITY NOW!" But, somewhere along the line, I started to fall for the little terrorist. Just yesterday I spent more than an hour in our back yard watching Brownie and little Coco (yes, another dog) scamper about.

You can see where this is going, can't you? (I, on the other hand, am very slow to pick up on foreshadowing.)

When Cynthia woke up this morning and found that Brownie wasn't in her room, she looked outside and found her dead dog in our side yard. Brownie's neck was bleeding and her entrails exposed. We suspect a vicious raccoon.

All of us are sad and traumatized. And I never thought I'd say this, but I miss you, Brownie.

16 comments:

Chapters From My Life said...

Losing a pet is always painful... Sorry about Brownie..

Marilie said...

Hugs for you and Cynthia. I know the pain of losing a pet. :(

Marcy said...

Susan C. My heart felt condolances for you and your family. It's never easy to lose a pet especially in a sudden, unexpected, tramatic way such as that. I know because 2 years ago, my daughter and son's small min-pin was attacked and killed by a large animal. Pets are more than just pets, they become a part of a family. They sense when we need comfort, they give unconditional love. I'd give anything to be able to take away the pain you and Cynthia are feeling, just know that however brief Brownie's stay, that you were blessed to have had that time together, and cherish the memorie. I want to show you a memorial plaque I made recently for my little neice who lost her beloved Shar-pei. If you'd like I could also make one for Cynthia, if you have any photos of Brownie. Even if you didn't have a photo I could come up with something. Just let me know, and know that should you need a shoulder, I'm here. xo~ ( http://marcys2cents.blogspot.com/2009/03/got-er-done.html )

Anonymous said...

I knew when I first read the story of Brownie, you'd be keeping her. No matter what you said.

Ah, no. Poor you and Cynthia.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry about Brownie. Very traumatic way to lose her.

How did you get Coco? How's she fitting in?

Baby Bird said...

I am so so sorry about Brownie.

Linda Dove said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news and to imagine the shock of it for you both.

And, also, thanks for the heads-up about our neighborhood raccoons. I'd only seen skunks (and coyotes, but they can't get in the yard...).

Susan C said...

Thank you ALL for your heartfelt condolences. I have also read them to Cynthia, and she was very touched.

Marcy, I LOVE the memorial plaque that you did for your niece's shar pei. Cynthia loved it too. We would be honored and thrilled to have one for Brownie. I'll get in touch with you.

Trish said...

We never thought we'd love small dogs. I used to say "anything smaller than the cat I grew up with is NOT a dog!".

Then we met Schultz, a 5 month old grey schnauzer. He has grown into a pup about the same size as the cat I grew up with and we learned to enjoy him despite his small stature--something about their snuggling into the crook of your arm or up against you on a couch is adorable. We miss Schultz a lot---he moved with his folks across the country---nothing quite like his little scream when he see us!

Just from the little yips I heard when I visited you, I suspect Brownie would have fit into that same category---lovable despite her tenacity and little pup attitude.

As everyone has said, it is never easy when a pet dies. Even harder when it was apparently an attack. Despite the stress he created in the household, the heart grows attached.

May her memory be a blessing.

Jean Spitzer said...

I too am sorry for your loss. Dogs, even the littlest ones, become very important family members.

Susan C said...

Thanks Trish and Jean.
"Despite the stress he created in the household, the heart grows attached."
So true!

Nelle said...

So very sorry for your and Cynthia's loss. It is so very hard to lose a member of your family and obviously that is what Brownie had become.

Ann said...

So sorry, Susan.

Unknown said...

Oh Susan and Cynthia I am so sorry. When a pet dies it is a big enough lose without having to have such tragic circumstances. Please except my sympathies. The only bright thing I can think to say is that Brownie must have had a wonderful life with you two before she passed as I know how well you treat your animals. Remember when you released the rats humanly?

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