Dear Chloe, Chloe Jo Mowie, and in the end just Lowie (as you were going deaf)
You came into my world when you were 6 weeks old. We were ‘cat people’ and I had been begging for a dog for years. I was in high school.
I remember the first time I met you, we were at Pat’s house. Pat was a member of WIRES and often had different animals around the house.... wombats, kangaroos, and she always had her dogs. But this visit was different. You were so small. I played with you for hours. Then I remember when my mum asked if I would like to keep you. My mum had planned everything. You came from Pat’s sisters house in Penrith and you looked just like your dad. You were from a litter of two. You and your brother. I remember Pat’s sister telling us that your brother had left a day before and you didn’t stop crying.
I don’t recall everything that we went through but I remember our neighbours asking if we had a new baby as they could hear you crying when I left for school each morning. You were there at the gate saying good-bye every morning and you were there at the gate every afternoon when I got home from school. We did everything together.
I remember the day that you got attacked by the German Shepard that lived over the back – and mum running with only a towel on to smack the other dog on the nose with a paper she picked up somewhere along the way. Your hips were never the same after that.
I moved out and wasn’t in a position to have you... but mum spoilt you rotten. Schmackos became your favourite word!
You came to live with me as soon as I could arrange it.
I remember the day that we went to the vet to get your vaccinations and the vet told me that you wouldn’t be around much longer. That was where Tedde Bear comes into the family. He was supposed to be your ‘replacement dog’... I know now that you could never be replaced. I remember the first time you (as the older lady you were) met Tedde. It was Amy’s 11th birthday and her friend brought over the litter of 4 week old Staffordshire bull terriers. You were not impressed with any of them. We fell in love with Tedde and two weeks later he came to stay with us forever. You may not have liked him straight away, but there was no denying that he was your biggest fan and biggest protector. Tedde celebrated his 5th birthday with you in April.
You were there when I got married, and we have some lovely pictures together. At one point I didn’t think you would make it but I always told you it was ok if you needed to go, but I have been married 2 and a half years.
You were always top dog... Ted did what you told him and when Booh entered the family she behaved to .
When we went to the vet earlier this year to be told that your heart was failing, my heart started to break too. We started you on a multitude of drugs... they were helping you and you weren’t suffering.
Amy understood (or at least I hope she did) when I didn’t go formal dress shopping in Sydney with her because I didn’t want to leave you alone for the night. I am so glad I had that weekend with just me and you (and Ted and Booh).
On 17th June 2009 (your birthday) I had organised to go into work late so I could spend time with you. You didn’t wake up until I was about to leave (and I didnt want to wake up the birthday girl) so I only gave you a 2 minute belly rub and promised that I would see the ‘birthday girl’ when I got home. By the time Amy got home from school you had gone to the bridge.
Rest assured that Ted tries to kiss the tears away like you used to, but its just not the same. But he is trying... He often sits where he last saw you and cries.
Your ashes may take pride of place on top of the pianola, just beside the wedding picture of you, me, Ted and Jay, but your memory is stuck within my heart forever.
I love you baby girl.
Mumma
