Saying Goodbye to Piper

I’ve sat and tried to write this post a few times since he passed away on April 29. Piper was Curtis and mine’s little fur baby. Our home feels so empty since his passing, finding little reminders in cupboards and seeing his bed and toys in the front closet brings back so many happy memories.

I rescued Piper 16 years ago at the BC SPCA in Burnaby. His little under-bite of a smile led my mom and me to the pound. Initially, we went to see him because my aunt sent his details over, she was debating getting a dog. But instead, literally, three minutes spent with him, we decided to adopt him into our family.

We already had our other two dogs, Penny and Rudy at our home (plus our cat). Rudy was actually the same age as Piper, also a rescue. They got along so well throughout the years until Rudy passed away at 16. Penny passed away a couple of years ago at the age of 17. I think by the age of our pets when they die, we do a great job of giving them loving homes.

Right away Piper took to me. He slept in my bed right beside me, his little Jack Russell/Daschund head on my other pillow all tucked in. Went along on all the car rides he could, loved going in my ’67 VW Beetle with the top down. His little face blowing in the wind with a smile plastered on his face. He would get jealous with boyfriends, even Curtis when he first came around haha.

He had these little funny legs and an underbite that later became a snaggletooth. Piper loved going for walks at the beach, rides in the Beetle, snuggles on the couch, coming to the office with me and sleeping under my desk, and sniffing around the large backyard at my parent’s old home. I swear him and Rudy probably thought they had a park out back to themselves haha.

He was the perfect example (besides Rudy) of why someone should consider rescuing a pet. Yes, he had quirks and it was evident he came from an abusive home. But we worked through those and learned to love all his flaw and showed him that he was loved. In turn, he was fiercely loyal to the family, especially Curtis and I when we moved out to Kitsilano 7 years ago.

Piper had many occupations throughout the years, he was a cleaner, food taster, lifeguard, bed warmer, watchdog, best friend, therapist, chew toy strength tester and was a fast walker in his day.

On his last day we spent with him, we took him to his favourite spot at the beach, held him close and let his feet dip in the sand one more time. I hope he enjoyed it. I’m so thankful we were able to say goodbye, holding him and telling him once more how much we loved him before saying goodbye.

I still think of him and actually catch myself almost calling him or looking for his bed in our bedroom. I opened a can of tuna the other day and was expecting to hear him scattering across the floor to get a little bite. But alas, it was a quiet house, just myself and a can of tuna. I’m going to be real, Curtis and I cried for a week straight after letting him go. We feel like empty-nesters and it’s as if we put our child down. 16 years I had Piper and I’m lucky I had so many years with him.

You will be missed Piper xoxo