My Zippy Dog, Ripley
by Joy Marley
(Pacific Northwest)
My dear friend came to live with me at about 6 weeks of age, having been abandoned in the woods. For nearly 16 years, she kept me daily company, eased me through a long illness, soothed me through a divorce and children graduating and leaving home, all manner of hardships and fears and worries.
She accompanied me daily to the mailbox, hiked up hillsides at my side, slept beside me in our tent, shared my love of the forest and waterfalls and ocean, cared for stray puppies, warned me of strangers and dangers.
She never failed in her sincerity and honesty, and her love for me burned hot and true. Always, when I stretched out a hand, her soft furry head was beneath it; her spirit always lifted mine.
She went on before me recently through that door to eternity... I love her with all my heart and always will.
It's time to finally write this. I haven't been able to really accept that he's gone, and it's been four years. I feel so guilty because I didn't do his
I rescued you when you were a senior, 12 years old. Over the last 5 years you've enriched my life with your unconditional love, your strength, your determination
You were only four weeks old when you came to live with me. We shared every single day and every single night for 15 years. You went shopping with me,
