Amerikennels

The Smiler — An Eulogy

Life’s little diplomat of excitement, Teca was a prancer.  Bouncing off the couch at the slightest indication of muscle intent, she was sure it was for her – to let her out into the playground that was her yard, to be fed or praised or petted, for a treat, or to be taken for a walk . . . Whatever the intention, it was for her – she was sure of it, making you sure of it as well.  Announcing her excitement as though it was the first time for everything, she arrested the room with enthusiasm.  Akin to the movie “50 First Dates” whatever the activity she reacted like it had never occurred before.  Whether it was the first of the morning, a feeding, or returning home at the end of the day, her enthusiasm for every little task . . . every little motion was infectious. 

Teca’s eagerness for all of life’s little moments soon developed into yours.  Tossing the ball a distance into the pond, she would tear across the yard, halting at the shore line as the 3 Labs – her sisters — dove in.  Possessive of every characteristic to make her a water dog, dampness was not her preference.  Frolicking up and down the shoreline pointing on grass hoppers and frogs was — occasionally carrying one of her little treasures far into the yard, only to drop and nose nudge it all the way back to the water to start again.

 With skills inbred, she was an excellent bird dog — her vertical jump unsurpassed by even the most impressive MVP.  Bouncing through the fields like the donkey in Shrek, always cautious of being to far affront, Teca’s silhouette permeated the horizon as she bounded along. 

Bouncing, prancing, excitement and “firsts,” that is Teca’s eulogy. 

It is strangely quiet here, even with 3 other dogs.  No one sneaks into bed with me when Joe leaves for work.  I do not have to put warm water into anyone’s food.   I haven’t said the words “calm down” since she left us.  The emptiness left by her parting is evident with every first we perform – the first morning is silently vacant of prancing . . . the first feeding . . . when Joe signals a snuggle by a shift of his weight to one side of his chair, there is a painful absence of Teca on his lap.   

 Written in honor of her short, impetuous, excitement filled life, 5 years seems selfishly unfair. 

 In anticipation of the day that all memories be joyous and unaccompanied by tears,

Ameriken Magic Teca

December 17, 2004 – February 13, 2010

We love you.  May you rest in peace.

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