In Loving Memory of Puppy

It's not clear when Dora (AKA Puppy) was made, but she came into our lives when Katie was born. She was a gift from our friend, Anja, who lives in Germany. Looking back, the little stuffed animal became "Puppy" when Katie was about 18 months old. We began to notice that Katie relied on Puppy, especially at night-night time and nap time or when Katie was upset, scared, or hurt. Puppy (and blankie) were her constant companions.

Puppy was named "Dora" after Grandma's dog, Dora, a King Charles Cavalier, who was also white with black and brown spots. But, Dora was known to all that loved her simply as "Puppy". Puppy's gender was undetermined for some time, but it eventually became a 'she' and Katie was insistent that we all referred to her properly, correcting anyone who accidentally called her "him" or "he". Puppy also went through a transformation over the years in terms of looks due to the many years of loving abuse -- basically, by the end, she was filthy and had no nose, giving her an 'old man' quality. Puppy was dearly loved by Katie... she has drawn pictures of her and Puppy and blankie to share with her friends at school and when asked what she was most thankful for, she said, "... for Puppy and to Grandma for making my blankie."

Last week, Puppy disappeared. We don't know where Puppy has gone, but we suspect she's in heaven with Wally, keeping him company (or she could be in the grocery store parking lot or with a homeless person somewhere, we're not certain). To be sure, we have looked high and low for Puppy (including the grocery store parking lot and lost and found box!), but she's no where to be found. Despite our best efforts to keep Puppy in view at all times, she's gone.

Ella has been a gem about the loss and has even offered her puppy, Abby, as a substitute for Puppy. (Anja also gave the girls a second puppy, which became Ella's after Katie claimed Puppy. Ella named her puppy, Abby, after Grandma's other dog, Abby, who also happened to be the same white-ish color.) This morning Katie told Daddy and Ella that she had a surprise for them and as she hurried off to get it, Ella said to Daddy, "I hope it's Puppy."

All in all, Katie is taking the loss quite well. She "... really misses Puppy!" and has decided she's going to ask Santa for another puppy... or maybe a kitty cat... a pink one... and maybe a blue one for Ella too. So, I guess things will be okay, although Puppy will be sorely missed by all... well, at least by Katie.

Katie at about 3 months old with Puppy. Who knew puppy would become Puppy?

Ella with Gwagy (the name of her blankie) and Brown Baby (so named because of how filthy she is - she's no longer white!) and Katie with Puppy and her blankies (she has two!). They were about 20 months in this photo, having a snack and watching TV. This is one of the earliest photos we have of the girls and their "lovies".

Katie showing off Puppy to the camera.

Katie, at Disneyland, letting Fairy Godmother hold Puppy. She looks a little uncertain about it...

The picture Katie drew of her and Puppy and Blankie (the blue rectangle). She took this to school to share on "Student Spotlight" day so that the other kids could see her favorite things.