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I’d Be Dead Without My Dogs
I have always loved dogs. I desperately wanted a dog as a child, and I cried with joy when our family adopted a dog when I was an anxious, depressed 13-year-old. That dog was my first experience with receiving unconditional love. When I looked into his eyes, I knew that he could see the real me. He was the only one in my life who actually saw me. He had the patience to sit with me when I cried.
I didn’t get my next dog until I was in my late 40’s. I had just left a bad marriage, and life was hard. I got zero support from my family; Catholics weren’t supposed to get divorced. I was struggling with resuming my college education, and working several part-time jobs to get by. I have always had severe anxiety and depression. My doctor was worried about suicide. My niece suggested that I get a dog. It was the best advice I ever got. My Olivia saved me from suicide. Her unconditional love, her funny puppy antics, her dependence on me — those things provided me with something to live for.
Olivia lived a long life, but as any dog lover knows, a dog’s life is never long enough. There is the unbearable grief that comes with the passing of those we love deeply. Grieving Olivia led me to finding Rose. I saw her…
