by Sadie
(Wisconsin)
It's been difficult to write the past few days. Indeed, the days themselves are a bit of a blur. I'm tired. My mom and I have been talking a lot about Olivia. I've been crying a lot and am really exhausted.
It is also hard being home. Well, frankly, it's hard being anywhere, but home was her place, our place together. I have my own apartment, but it has been so important to be home this past year to spend time with Olivia. I am reminded of all the funny antics she pulled in the kitchen with food. She danced for meals. She scampered from the living room to the kitchen.
Olivia was such a sweet dog. Especially the past several years. She was a highly energetic puppy, and she was a puppy until she was at least 10 years old.
I graduated from college in Spring 2009 and moved home with my parents and Olivia. I was unemployed from May - October... and oh my goodness, Olivia and I had a lot of fun together that summer. Every single day at 1:30pm she would stand in the kitchen doorway and look at me. She knew it was walk time. She followed my every move. That summer, we walked about 1.5 miles every day, through McCarty park. We would go through the parkway, around the lagoon, around the pool. It was fantastic. Absolutely amazing shape for a 13 year old golden retriever. My mom usually came too.
In October, I found a part time job and got home everyday around 3:15. She was so happy when I got home. It was so wonderful to have "our time" every single day. At 3:30, it was walk time.
Olivia rarely barked... unless she was ready for her walk or for food.
What a wonderful companion Olivia was. She was fun and funny.