I've been running Villalobos Rescue Center for around 17 years. I've obviously seen so many dogs that they tend to become one big blur. But Darla, oh man, did she ever make an imprint on me from the day she landed here. As a pup, Darla had always been a little "different" She definitely walked to the beat of her own drummer. Despite this, we did try to adopt her out a couple of times only to be returned for her "oddness". So this crazy little girl became a part of our family and actually became a household member, sleeping next to me each and every night for over 10 years. Each morning, her sunrise ritual was to completely shread her blanket until it was sawdust. By the time the afternoon came, she loved nothing more than to play with her frisbee. We called her "hardcore" because nothing phased her. She would march right out into the rain and run around like it was any other day. I loved reciting that adorable scene from the Lil Rascals when Alfalfa spoke his mind to Darla......"Dear Darla, I hate your stinking guts. You are the scum between my toes....Love Alfalfa..." I started each morning with this silly little speech and she loved it. I loved it. My day started with crazy Darla. She's only been gone a matter of hours and I miss her so much already. Maybe tonight I'll go and toss a frisbee in her honor. Love you crazy girl.
I am so very sorry to hear of Darla's passing. Our dogs are family and they touch us in parts of our soul I don't even think even humans can. She was, indeed, a lil rascal and your recitation was perfect! I have no doubt you'll see her again at The Bridge.. and she'll be anxiously awaiting some Frisbee tossing!
ReplyDelete*HUGS*
I'm so sorry Tia.
ReplyDeleteI love the story, sorry to hear the about the passing though, RIP.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Tia, I know there are no words that will offer consolation when you wake without her loving face.
ReplyDeleteSweet Darla. We got the pleasure of taking you on a stroll before we moved. Tia you always explained to Dillon about each dog and with Darla we tried to explain to him about the little rascals but seeing as he's 7 he thought we were crazy. So glad she got to enjoy her wonderful life with unconditional love from you Tia! Rest in peace sweet girl...
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear of her passing so soon after I became her sponsor, and Im glad Jessica actually contacted me about it. I hope that the money helped out in some way. I love everything you all do out there and I believe in the cause that you are fighting for. I just wish I could have gotten to meet her. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AT VILLALOBOS!
ReplyDeleteTia, so sorry for your loss. But, the story made me smile, and her personality sounded amazingly close to my own, imagine that. Just know that she had a wonderful life in your care, YOU are an amazing person!
ReplyDeleteDearest Tia, Arizbe and I send our love and know how deep that sorrow can burrow over someone who burrowed their way into our hearts. When I started reading about Dear Darla, it reminded me much of Candy, who was the troublemaker (as you put it so perfectly!), though not as brave as Darla because a few drops of rain would boomerang her back inside! We loved your post which surely touched us and brought tears and smiles of your precious memories of your darling sweet, "crazy" Darla. May those memories grow and never fade and may she rest in peace.....Darla could have never ever had a better mommy :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Steve & Ari
(((Tia)))) I know you aren't a hugger, but I just gave you one anyways. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories of Darla.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, Darla...happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteTia, I am so sorry for yet another one of your losses. I do have an interesting story that you should hear. My neighbor rescued a dog many years ago
ReplyDelete. He had very odd behaviors. Mostly shredding things to pieces. When he ate the steering wheel leather on her Mercedes and ate a section of carpet in the basement... her husband (a vet) decided to perform exploritory surgery on Curby. He was blown away by what he found lodged inside. A plastic square that you have on bagel or English muffin packages. After that was removed, he was a normal dog for the remainder of his life. I wanted to share this with you and your fans so that you know that sometimes there is a reason for bizzare behavior. God bless you , and all you do.
The passage of time along with the support and love of family and friends will make things easier for you. Slowly, almost imperceptively, the pain will get duller and duller, until one day you'll realize you're taking full breaths again instead of forgetting to breathe because the pain is too much to bear.
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