Wilfred’s Angel Bump, a paw print from heaven.
When our older dog passed away, I thought Miss Mattie, a seven year-old cockapoo, needed a new friend. My search began at local shelters. Not a single pup seemed a good fit. I searched the newspaper for available rescues, again to no avail. I began to think maybe I wasn’t supposed to have another dog. I decided if a pup was meant for us, he or she would find us. The next morning the above photo popped up on my computer screen. I was smitten!
I dialed the number and promised to be right over to meet him in person. When I knocked on the door, I was greeted by a sweet woman and Wilfred. Who names a dog Wilfred? I learned that an older English woman chose his name.
He was bigger than I expected, but I’m bigger than I expected.
He was seven years old and very shy, the woman said. Well, I was shy when I was seven too.
He had beautiful two-inch eyelashes that fluttered against my cheek when he sniffed my ears. I always wanted long eye lashes. The woman told me he loved to ride in a convertible. As luck would have it, I have a convertible.
Surely, it was divine intervention that put us together. On the drive home, he curled up on the front seat. At a red light he looked at me and I said, “Wilfred, I am going to be your forever mom. I will take good care of you.” He sighed and licked my arm. I even asked him, “What are we going to do about your name? I can’t have a dog named Wilfred.” He batted his long eyelashes at me.
In all my years as a pet owner, I never had a dog show this much affection. If I sat on the couch, he’d gather two pillows and plop them near me. He’d wiggle in and sit as close as he could muster. If I went to the bathroom, he followed, even during bubble baths.
In my convertible he barked at everyone we passed. It was more of a friendly yelp, like he was telling people he was in his mom’s convertible and having a great time. His tail wagged non-stop.
Wilfred was a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles and a poodle mix). He loved everyone who entered our home. I used to imagine him as a fluff ball of a pup. I would have loved watching him grow.
Six months after he joined us, he developed an aggressive cancer. The vet told us we’d have him for a few months initially. Then the biopsy came back, and it changed to a few days. How does one process that? He looked healthy and happy. A few days turned into two weeks of joy and tears.
He was fed all his favorite foods: steak, grilled chicken, wide noodles, and numerous treats. He was so happy and content. Until one night he cried at my bedside. I took him to the couch and tried to calm him. Usually this worked if I put him back in my bed.
Nothing helped. It was time. “Oh Wilfred, ” I cried as I hugged him, “You are such a sweetheart and I hate to let you go. You were the best dog ever.” My husband drove us to vet hospital where he was put to sleep. I cried so hard I had to send my husband in the room alone. He reported that Wilfred licked the nurse and went peacefully as the needle did it’s job.
My heart was shattered. How could I have loved this pup so deeply in such a short time? He brought so much laughter and so many snuggles into our lives, and now he was gone.
I cried at my writing desk for over an hour. Suddenly a small book fell from to the floor. When I picked it up, the page was open to a picture of a dog asleep at a cemetery. He was wearing angel wings. Then I really cried. Wilfred had sent me a sign that he was pain free.
The following day, my eyes were still red when I heard his name repeatedly. On the radio there was mention of Wilfred University, Wilfred Street, and a business named Wilfred and Sons. More signs were arriving. I was laughing while wiping my tears.
The following day, my husband and I drove to the beach in Wilfred’s favorite car. The top was down. As I looked toward the beach there was a cloud formation of a dog leaping through the sky. It was another sign from Wilfred!
I know in my heart that Wilfred will love us forever. I think of him every time I put the convertible roof down.
I sure didn’t expect a sign from him, but I’m so happy he sent them. I still miss him.
I will love my Wilfred forever.
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