Trixie came into my life unexpectedly in May 2016 through my boyfriend at the time, and she has been the greatest gift I never knew I wanted.
She was nearly 7 years old and had been placed in foster care by her young mom, who couldn’t care for her anymore. We bonded instantly, and when I took her home for a “two-week trial,” she fit so well into my life that it became her furever home.
I had clients come to my home office nearly every day for hypnotherapy and coaching sessions. She put them at ease, greeting them at the door with tail wags and excited twirling—never with barks—and she would sleep quietly in her crate while they were there, then walk out with us to say goodbye.
She loved going on hikes with me and my hiking group. Despite her little body and short legs (9-pound Yorkie Poo), she kept up with us for two hours (about five miles). She even ran a 10k with me in her last year. I only had to pick her up once during the last half mile, but she crossed the finish line on her own four paws.
She rarely ever barked, except when we chased each other around the living room. She loved the dog sling carrier I bought for her one year at Christmas. I brought her with me nearly everywhere I could in that sling. She loved walking on the boardwalk, running on the beach (though she didn’t like water, especially baths), and listening to live music at the oceanfront and breweries. She even went to some ODU tailgates with me when they allowed dogs. Everyone loved her, but she was definitely a Momma’s girl and wouldn’t take her eyes off me when I left her with someone to go to the restroom.
She was so soft and gave the best “doggie kisses.” She loved to sleep under the covers with me at night and go for walks around the neighborhood twice a day. She had such a great temperament—she never bit anyone and got along with other dogs (even bigger ones) as long as they were friendly like her. She got me out of the house and walking twice a day, even when the weather wasn’t nice.
She gave me so much love and joy. She made me laugh, twirled when she was happy, and leapt high into the air when I had a treat for her. She was my companion and savior during the COVID lockdowns. She always greeted me excitedly at the door when I came home, even if I was only gone for 10 minutes. God, I miss that.
When she was diagnosed with a bladder tumor and given two weeks to live, my heart wouldn’t accept that. Prayers, love, a great vet, and some good holistic medicine and supplements gave us 10 more months together. She was still so full of life even on her last day, but since she could no longer empty her bladder on her own, I had to make the caring decision to have her put to rest. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
We had a long and full, fun day together, doing some of her favorite things and going to some of her favorite places. Since then, she has shown me in unmistakable and miraculous ways that she is still around me. I still take her (ashes) with me on walks and to special places we used to go together. It’s very comforting.
I will love and remember you forever, my Trixie Bear!
