The
Picnic
Millie passed on Friday, June 20, 2008 and never made it to the picnic. Word
spread quickly,
and by the time the picnic came two days later, some had
already heard that Nannie Millie had crossed the bridge, although some did
not yet know.
When I arrived to the picnic with Vanessa in tow, I was all cried out by
then and ready to focus on the day of celebration. Vanessa lay in the buggy
that I had ordered for Millie, and so many said hello to 'Millie' and was
surprised at how well she looked. I really didn't mind explaining everything
because it afforded me opportunity to talk about Millie and the life she
lead, as well as to explain about our new dog, Vanessa and her own tragedy,
and many were interested in both.
"Look, Vanessa, there's your new family."
"Wow, all those people really care about ME now?"
"Yes, and this is just a small portion of the volunteers who are your new
family now."
"Today was their appreciation day."
"They work and play, rain or shine, to save dogs like you."
"And there's Paul and Star, who used to be homeless just like you."
"And now there's also Aimee (Kaitadog) and Dawn and her daughter (Strana1),
too."
"And look, Dawn's daughter is practicing for the photo team at GSRNE, too."
"Hello, Vanessa, it's wonderful to meet you."
"Oh, look, another friend who wants to mingle."
"But I want to play ball with you guys, too!"
"That dog's having way too much fun without me."
"Can you just sit still because I want to chase you and I can't because my
legs don't work."
"It's ok, Vanessa, I'll sit with you for awhile."
"WOW, such tenderness, I LOVE it!"
"Now if only I could walk again."
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