Fifille

We are taught that animals fulfill the measure of their creation and have joy therein. This is especially true of Fifille our Shih Tzu dog. She was born 5 years ago on April 11, 2000, but soon will be put to sleep after battling cancer for the last 1 1/2 years. Fifille is French for little girl. She came to our home from St. George, Utah with her brother Garcon.


From the very first time we saw her, we fell in love with her and her brother. She has certainly shared the joy of her creation with us. While sad that she will no longer be with us, we have been blessed to have her in our lives for five years. And before it gets unbearable for her, we will have to put her to sleep. It is doubly difficult since we are in France and can't say a proper goodbye to her, but she has been in good hands with Barbara Hall who has been staying at our house. Fifille could not have received better care and love then from Barbara. But it is so hard not to say goodbye in person, to hold her and love her just one last time. But we held her and loved her so many times and knew that one day she would leave us for awhile, and she knows, without any reservation, that she has been loved and cared for and appreciated by us. We could not have loved her more, nor could we have been loved more by her.

My experiences with Fifille are many, and one of my favorites is  her coming downstairs to see me in the den. She will jump up gently on my leg asking for a treat, which I keep on the bookcase behind me, soon to be followed by Garcon. Or when she will jump up on my chest as I am watching TV and give me beaucoup kisses. Or when she will sleep on my lap or next to me in bed. I have loved hanging out with her on the red couch in our bedroom.

She will be missed by all three of us. She and Garcon have never been apart since they were born. He might just miss her the most.  

I will miss them greeting me together when I get home from work, and her running to one of her toys wanting me to see her play and tell her what a good player she is, or doing tricks and playing Stay and Puppies Puppies.

In a way, one who loves dogs so much should never have a dog, especially one as fun, lovable and tough as Fifille. It just hurts too much to lose them. And yet without risking that, one could never receive the joy and blessings of having a Fifille. The trade-off is more than worth it, but it does not make it any easier.

See you Big Girl. I love you.

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