Dear Readers,
Two weeks ago on Monday, April 13th, Lola crossed the rainbow bridge. She was 14 years, 9 months, and two days old. I was honored to have Lola in my life for as long as I did. Unfortunately, I couldn’t barter with the Big Man upstairs for more time and made the difficult decision to let Lola fall asleep free from pain. She had a day filled with her favorite foods, including the most delicious McDonald’s hamburgers and an endless supply of peanut butter from a spoon. She also finally got a taste of the illicit foods denied to her for her health and well being – a Reese’s chocolate peanut butter egg, a Snickers, a Kit-Kat, A Rolo caramel, and a big dollop of whipped cream.
I will miss Lola more than I ever thought possible. It’s hard to know what to do when your shadow disappears and I can say that even after two weeks, I absolutely hate being at home. The toenails clicking behind me down the hallway each morning, the desperate looks any time I walk towards the kitchen, the sweet smiles and pearly white underbite nudging me for one more hug and kiss – all of it disappeared before I was ready. But Lola was ready and it was the final thing I could gift to the best Being I’ve ever loved in my entire life.
As of right now I have not decided what to do with my final Dear Lola columns, of which there were many written in advance. I have also completed the writing on two more Dear Lola books, yet cartooning for them is now at a standstill. I may decide to finish and publish, but my thoughts are too filled with anguish to do anything remotely funny.
To all of you readers who showed up over the years for your weekly dose of Lola’s canine advice, thank you so much for your support.
Shank You Very Much 