It only takes a second to fall in love. Which certainly is the magical thing about pets! No matter how much time we have with them, they fill our hearts and homes and always leave a hole when it’s their time to say goodbye.
Tori and Suzie thankfully had about 16 years together! Sixteen! Tori adopted Suzie from the ECU School of Medicine when Tori worked there. The Medical School originally brought Suzie in from the county shelter when she was four months old. She was supposed to be used for an acute study. The students and staff fell in love with her and asked to keep her and to train her as a pet therapy dog. Unfortunately, the pet therapy program start-up fell through. But good thing for Suzie, she ended up with a new home with Tori.
Tori contacted me a few months ago when she knew Suzie was nearing her trek across the Rainbow Bridge. “Suz has been my best friend for 16 years. We are now at the end of her time on this earth and I want some great photos of her for my own memorial essentially,” she wrote to me.
At sixteen years old, Suzie could barely walk or see. Oh but she was a happy girl! I met them at Tori’s house where we had a bright red barn and bench next door and a green grassy field. Suzie stayed right by her mama’s side and despite not being able to see her, Suzie knew exactly where Tori was at all times.
Two days after our session, Tori had to say goodbye to Suzie. Suzie is now running and chasing balls in doggie Heaven and watching over her mama.
Tori has since welcomed another loving dog into her home. A dog just as special as Suzie. Her new girl Marishka was held as evidence for two years at the Vance County Animal Shelter. A two-year stay in a small kennel is hard on any animal, but the staff there provided Marishka with so much love. When she was finally able to be released, she was transferred to the SPCA of Wake County where Tori is a long-time volunteer. It was love at first sight and I’m sure Tori and Marishka have many loving years ahead just as Tori and Suzie spent together.
Suzie the senior dog
Suzie the senior dog
