“My Lily Bear”

I wanted to share my story of my baby Shih-tzu, Lily. She’s over a year and a half old, but she’s still my baby! My husband and I got her on Valentine’s Day in 2005, and she was born 3 days after my birthday in December 2004. My Mother passed away at age 50 in December 2004, 2 days before my birthday. I was totally devastated. She had been ill for a while, but I don’t believe that ever makes it any easier. My husband and I had been talking about getting a dog for some time. So one night I was sitting outside thinking of my sweet Mother, trying to convince myself that she was still with me, and I said aloud, “Mom, please help my find the perfect doggy for me.” Well my husband and I searched the internet and the newspapers for a good breeder of Shih-tzus, the breed we wanted. Finally, we found a breeder about 2 hours from our home, and I knew we were meant to be friends the minute I saw her picture! When I found out she was born 3 days after my birthday, I felt as if my Mom really had helped me find my new little companion! We decided on the name Lily because my Mother and I shared a love for the flower, and I would often bring bouquets of them to her when she was ill. We put down the deposit and about a month later, we picked up our new, tiny, furry baby! She was so cute, I held her in a towel on my lap on the ride home, and her little tounge was curling upward when she panted! I spent every spare moment with her, teaching her and playing with her, and my sister even helped me by coming over at lunch time to take her out so she could be on a routine. I’m not sure how the nickname “Lily Bear” caught on, but that’s what I call her when I baby-talk to her. Well, needless to say she did wonders for the depression I was feeling after my Mother’s death - she still helps with hard times. It is very difficult to function when you are grieving - it’s difficult for everyone. Lily was always there to kiss away my tears when I mourned this great loss, always there to learn and help me learn - and she is there every day, doing her silly little happy dance when I get home! She really is my baby, my friend, my companion. My sweet little Lily Bear. Aimee R