Poor Lily

In December Erika bought herself a companion in the form of a tiny, fluffy, brown puppy. She had been researching and considering for a couple of years when she happened upon an advertisement for the type of dog she wanted. She was in St. George. She was a Maltese mix and could not have been cuter. 

Her breeder was to be in the Salt Lake area before Christmas and met up with Erika to make the exchange. Erika tried to keep it a secret and just show up at Mom's on a family dinner Sunday, but it was close to two weeks away and she was too excited to keep the news to herself. Somehow all my children, every single one of them, found out before I did. But I could not be kept in the dark from them for two weeks so someone spilled the beans, but I can't remember who.

Erika took time off work before and after Christmas break in order to "train" Lily. We enjoyed playing with her on Sundays when we were all at Mom's house and we watched her at our house for an afternoon. We agreed to babysit her this summer for a few days, splitting the time with David and Jessica, while Erika goes to Florida. 

Erika has been doing everything right, training, grooming, immunizing, socializing with dogs and children. They had bonded and it was fun to see Erika have a life to care for and dote on. Tonight she took Lily to one of her friend's homes who has another dog to let her get to know another dog besides Sadie and Boo whom she gets to see every other week at least. While they were visiting the unthinkable happened and the other dog killed Lily. 

I don't know the details, only that she must not have died immediately because I understand Erika did take her to an emergency veterinary clinic. However, her life could not be saved. I, of course, found this out from Renee, who lives in Alaska. She called me while I was at Young Women's and I almost didn't answer the phone because I had needed my attention to be elsewhere. But answer I did and I received the heartbreaking news. Renee also reported that David was on his way up from Spanish Fork to Sandy to be with her. He will be a comfort. He is compassionate and knows of the sadness of loss. 

Regrettably, I told Emma who was there with me. I sort of wish I hadn't because she was tearful. The blessing that came to her, however, was that her peers offered comfort and support. She has been feeling very left out from her old friends, but they were kind and loving tonight. 

I told Destry, but I want the rest of my people to get to sleep tonight and to school tomorrow before I tell them. They will all be sad. They will be reminded of our own aging dog's mortality.  

I really do mean, "poor Lily." That must have been a terrifying and painful way to die. But mostly I mean, "poor Erika." She and Lily had spent enough time together to form a loving bond, but not nearly enough time to feel ready to let her go. I'm sure she feels guilt for not protecting her or for taking her there in the first place. She could not have known this would happen, but we tend to beat ourselves up when bad things happen. We can never predict the behavior of even the most docile of dogs. I am sure that Erika thought this dog was harmless or she never would have taken Lily to visit it. I love my sister and hope she will find peace even if there is no sense in this tragedy.

Goodbye, Lily. The Crumps love you.

We love you, Erika.