...for my three precious furry babies. It has been a year of loss for the Riggio family.
On March 13, 1997, Sydney arrived in this world and was destined to be adopted by a great family. At six weeks old, I welcomed my little fur ball into my heart and will never let her go. I still remember her being tossed around by Leo, his big kitty brother, and how the two of them absolutely adored each other. Sydney was was my saving grace. In one of the lowest times of my life, she kept me going. I always say I owe my life to her and I truly believe she knew I needed her when the times were rough. It was just her, me and Leo for so long. Although I do not miss the puppy phase, which included ripped carpet, pee puddles in the house, and shredded door jambs, I remember every stage of her life fondly. Man did I love that girl! On February 10, I held Sydney for the last time as she drifted off to heaven.
15 years ago I adopted my precious Leo (short for Leonard) when he wandered into my grandparents yard and would not go away. He was my first fur baby and the apple of my eye. Leo was a spunky kitty who loved to find new hiding places and cherished every moment with his mommy. He was unlike any other cat I had ever met; more a human than an animal. I still remember how he hated other cats and was terrified to be outside. He found comfort in cuddling on my pillow each night and absolutely adored our boys. On April 20, I said good-bye to my beloved kitty. I always said he would live forever, but in my heart I knew that wasn't to be.
And last, but certainly not least.....Angie. One the most strong willed critters I've ever known. Angie came into my life when I least expected it. Angie was originally Jim's dog but if you ask her she would probably say she belonged to me. Jim and I had been dating a few weeks when Angie came to live with me; the summer of 1998. I wouldn't have had it any other way. She was a welcome addition for Sydney and Leo and they all got along like brothers and sisters would. Angie was the dominant one of the bunch. She took pride in bossing everyone around and putting them in their place. I still remember how Angie would open packages and pretty much destroy anything if you simply told her to "get it." For the several years that Jim and I lived apart, Angie and Sydney would travel with me between Bakersfield and Atascadero. I vividly remember how Angie always had to have the front seat and if I didn't roll the window down, how she would always blow snot all over my dash while sniffing in the air from the vent. She loved cows and would gladly cross a pasture to get to one. Of course she would run right back when she realized just how big they were. On May 10, exactly three months after losing Sydney, Angie joined her fur-siblings in heaven.
Oh how my heart aches for my girls and my Leo kitty. Those two ladies were the love of my life. They were my kids before I had kids. And Leo....he was my soul. He understood me and knew exactly what I needed. I have peace in knowing that they are all together again but am angry that they all left me so quickly. My life will be forever blessed by these three creatures of God; my babies; my companions; my friends.
"To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.
Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are. "
Your Pets In Heaven
