Saturday, October 9, 2021

Treasured Furbaby Memories and Storytelling by Mary Morgan

Animals have always played an important role in my stories. Often, they’ve been known to steal the scene from a major character. I’m unable to halt their antics and recall my own experiences with those we’ve rescued and/or welcomed into our home. One particular wee doggie will remain cherished in our memories and heart. This is her story.



Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "The New World," is a haunting, beautiful piece of music and one that brings me to tears whenever I listen to the melody. I love that it speaks to me of hope—a new world, especially when it was the last music I heard as I carried my beloved wee dachshund out the door of our home to the vets that day fifteen years ago. Even as I sit here and type this post, my eyes are misted with unshed tears. She was diagnosed six months earlier with massive bone spurs in her spine and other issues that plagued her. The evenings were difficult, and she would whimper in constant pain. Pain meds did not help and surgery was not an option. When her legs began to give out, we knew it was time to send her to the Rainbow Bridge. It will always remain the most difficult decision that my husband and I made. But let me start at the beginning of her incredible life… 

Liezzel (named after the girl, Liesl in the Sound of Music) entered our family at seven weeks old. A name was chosen, and the children demanded to spell it their own way. In truth, she had many nicknames over the almost fifteen years of her life—from weasel, brat, nanny, nurse, escape artist, and my favorite, Brunhilda. She was a joy and light to everyone she met. A huge flirt with men, and sassy with women.

Whenever a new garden was planted in the spring, Liezzel had to supervise the planting. She never dug up the vegetables, flowers, or herbs, and not once did she use it as her toilet. She was inquisitive, often times watching me plant and then giving her final approval with an inspection.


Playtime was always an hour before meals. She’d bounce her ball all over the house for a solid hour. It would drive us crazy. Once, I took away her ball, but she would find something else and dash all around the kitchen. I realized it was a futile attempt to silence her. Even toward the end of her life, her love of playing never stopped.


We’ve had many animals in our family, but this doxie will always remain a treasured family member. Though I have never included a dachshund in my stories (perhaps one day), I honor my love of all animals in every book I write. They add an extra element to the story—one I treasure, and I hope you do, too.  


   

 

11 comments:

Nancy Gideon said...

(((HUGS))) One of the hardest life journeys to take, having walked it many times, myself.

Mary Morgan said...

Thanks, Nancy. xoxo

Maureen said...

Oh I loved learning about your beloved furry friend! I love animals in stories, and always include them in mine. I also understand your pain. Our loss of our Lhasa Apso named Bummy (he was the runt, a bum pup) 9 years ago, after we'd had in our family for 14 1/2 years, is still painful. I try to think of the treasured memories we had together.

Mary Morgan said...

Thanks, Maureen! xo

No matter our mood, animals give us unconditional love. Especially rescue furbabies. And it sounds like you gave Bummy (love his name) lots of love for him to live so long.

Tena Stetler said...

That is the hardest part of having companion animals. A journey we’ve walked many a time. Pets add so much to life and I our stories. As you know Mystic, Taco, and Sammie are a big part of our family. Thanks for sharing your wee pups story. Hugs

Jessica E. Subject said...

It's so hard to say goodbye to a pet, as they truly are a member of the family. We have a dog who is older and on pain medication for arthritis. I know I will have to make that decision soon, but we are enjoying the time with her while we have it.

And I very much enjoy pets in stories!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I think that all our fur babies are special, and I know I've had visits from those who have gone on to Rainbow Bridge. Maybe, as the veil thins, Liezzel will come back for a visit.

Mary Morgan said...

Thanks, Tena. I always enjoy seeing your pics of your fur and feather babies. They're adorable! xo

Mary Morgan said...

It might have been the worst decision we've ever made for our wee doggie, but we did it for her. Her pain was awful in the evening and she kept losing movement in her back legs. Sadly, pain meds did not help.

So happy to hear another lover of pets in stories, Jessica! xo

Mary Morgan said...

Dianne, our little girl is always with us. Yet at this time of year, I tend to get a whiff of her scent. You're correct. The veil is thinning... Hugs!

Diane Burton said...

Sending hugs. We've had to make that difficult decision three times. I like to think all our pets are playing together. I mentioned our 1st pet in my 1st published sci-fi novel. You have great memories that will help you get through a difficult time.