Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all.
************
When I got Jelly as a puppy of under two months, she fit in the palm of my hand. Seeking out a companion for my other chihuahua, I went to look at 3 puppies from a breeder's ad. I fell in love with her unique coloration, which reminded me of Gismo from The Gremlins.
So Angelika became a part of our family. The nickname "Jelly" just stuck, and so for all purposes, that became her name. I was a confused, lonely 20-year-old when I got her. She saw me through so many hard times. She watched my nieces and nephews grow up, and often enjoyed sleeping on the couch with them if they spent the night. She even got to meet my two great-nieces... I wonder if they'll remember her?
Jelly was a stereotypical, ankle-biting chihuahua with a personality that juxtaposed her small frame and innocent face. She had a shrill bark that woke me many times in the night, or disturbed me as I relaxed. When she wanted something, she was relentless! And if she didn't like you, you knew it. Jelly was selective who she allowed into her space and heart. She often fought with her "big brother," Basil, though I think there was a bond between them. Basil used to take pieces of dog food from the bowl and hide them. Jelly would calmly sit on the couch, watching as he carefully tucked the food behind the TV or under a blanket. When he left, she'd walk right over to where the food was hidden and help herself!
It's not easy to watch those you love get old and deteriorate physically, whether human or otherwise. Jelly's had health struggles from early on, and in the last year she began to show her age. No more a vibrant puppy, she limped across the floor. But she never lost her spunk!
I initially planned to put my girl down on July 18, but just couldn't do it. Maybe it was denial. Maybe I was selfish. Either way, I am thankful I could keep my final promise to Jelly: that I'd be with her when the end came.
Jelly's end came on Saturday, July 27, 2013. I got home from work, and found her lying on the basement floor, gasping her final breaths. I held my girl and spoke to her until she slipped away at 9 A.M.
She is survived by Basil, and others who loved and cared for her. Life will never be the same without my feisty girl, variously nicknamed "Anaconda," "Tazzy" (as in the Tasmanian Devil), "PITA" (Pain In The +++), and others.
Few saw my baby's sweet, loving side, but it was there. I'll miss snuggling against her soft, furry body, and the kisses she would give me when I'd come home. Rest in peace, my girl. You were mine to love and cherish for a few short years. Now you belong to God. Until we meet again, may he hold you in the palm of his hand.
for that is how I will remember you.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all.
************
When I got Jelly as a puppy of under two months, she fit in the palm of my hand. Seeking out a companion for my other chihuahua, I went to look at 3 puppies from a breeder's ad. I fell in love with her unique coloration, which reminded me of Gismo from The Gremlins.
So Angelika became a part of our family. The nickname "Jelly" just stuck, and so for all purposes, that became her name. I was a confused, lonely 20-year-old when I got her. She saw me through so many hard times. She watched my nieces and nephews grow up, and often enjoyed sleeping on the couch with them if they spent the night. She even got to meet my two great-nieces... I wonder if they'll remember her?
Jelly was a stereotypical, ankle-biting chihuahua with a personality that juxtaposed her small frame and innocent face. She had a shrill bark that woke me many times in the night, or disturbed me as I relaxed. When she wanted something, she was relentless! And if she didn't like you, you knew it. Jelly was selective who she allowed into her space and heart. She often fought with her "big brother," Basil, though I think there was a bond between them. Basil used to take pieces of dog food from the bowl and hide them. Jelly would calmly sit on the couch, watching as he carefully tucked the food behind the TV or under a blanket. When he left, she'd walk right over to where the food was hidden and help herself!
It's not easy to watch those you love get old and deteriorate physically, whether human or otherwise. Jelly's had health struggles from early on, and in the last year she began to show her age. No more a vibrant puppy, she limped across the floor. But she never lost her spunk!
I initially planned to put my girl down on July 18, but just couldn't do it. Maybe it was denial. Maybe I was selfish. Either way, I am thankful I could keep my final promise to Jelly: that I'd be with her when the end came.
Jelly's end came on Saturday, July 27, 2013. I got home from work, and found her lying on the basement floor, gasping her final breaths. I held my girl and spoke to her until she slipped away at 9 A.M.
She is survived by Basil, and others who loved and cared for her. Life will never be the same without my feisty girl, variously nicknamed "Anaconda," "Tazzy" (as in the Tasmanian Devil), "PITA" (Pain In The +++), and others.
Few saw my baby's sweet, loving side, but it was there. I'll miss snuggling against her soft, furry body, and the kisses she would give me when I'd come home. Rest in peace, my girl. You were mine to love and cherish for a few short years. Now you belong to God. Until we meet again, may he hold you in the palm of his hand.
Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all.
************
When I got Jelly as a puppy of under two months, she fit in the palm of my hand. Seeking out a companion for my other chihuahua, I went to look at 3 puppies from a breeder's ad. I fell in love with her unique coloration, which reminded me of Gismo from The Gremlins.
So Angelika became a part of our family. The nickname "Jelly" just stuck, and so for all purposes, that became her name. I was a confused, lonely 20-year-old when I got her. She saw me through so many hard times. She watched my nieces and nephews grow up, and often enjoyed sleeping on the couch with them if they spent the night. She even got to meet my two great-nieces... I wonder if they'll remember her?
Jelly was a stereotypical, ankle-biting chihuahua with a personality that juxtaposed her small frame and innocent face. She had a shrill bark that woke me many times in the night, or disturbed me as I relaxed. When she wanted something, she was relentless! And if she didn't like you, you knew it. Jelly was selective who she allowed into her space and heart. She often fought with her "big brother," Basil, though I think there was a bond between them. Basil used to take pieces of dog food from the bowl and hide them. Jelly would calmly sit on the couch, watching as he carefully tucked the food behind the TV or under a blanket. When he left, she'd walk right over to where the food was hidden and help herself!
It's not easy to watch those you love get old and deteriorate physically, whether human or otherwise. Jelly's had health struggles from early on, and in the last year she began to show her age. No more a vibrant puppy, she limped across the floor. But she never lost her spunk!
I initially planned to put my girl down on July 18, but just couldn't do it. Maybe it was denial. Maybe I was selfish. Either way, I am thankful I could keep my final promise to Jelly: that I'd be with her when the end came.
Jelly's end came on Saturday, July 27, 2013. I got home from work, and found her lying on the basement floor, gasping her final breaths. I held my girl and spoke to her until she slipped away at 9 A.M.
She is survived by Basil, and others who loved and cared for her. Life will never be the same without my feisty girl, variously nicknamed "Anaconda," "Tazzy" (as in the Tasmanian Devil), "PITA" (Pain In The +++), and others.
Few saw my baby's sweet, loving side, but it was there. I'll miss snuggling against her soft, furry body, and the kisses she would give me when I'd come home. Rest in peace, my girl. You were mine to love and cherish for a few short years. Now you belong to God. Until we meet again, may he hold you in the palm of his hand.
for that is how I will remember you.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all.
************
When I got Jelly as a puppy of under two months, she fit in the palm of my hand. Seeking out a companion for my other chihuahua, I went to look at 3 puppies from a breeder's ad. I fell in love with her unique coloration, which reminded me of Gismo from The Gremlins.
So Angelika became a part of our family. The nickname "Jelly" just stuck, and so for all purposes, that became her name. I was a confused, lonely 20-year-old when I got her. She saw me through so many hard times. She watched my nieces and nephews grow up, and often enjoyed sleeping on the couch with them if they spent the night. She even got to meet my two great-nieces... I wonder if they'll remember her?
Jelly was a stereotypical, ankle-biting chihuahua with a personality that juxtaposed her small frame and innocent face. She had a shrill bark that woke me many times in the night, or disturbed me as I relaxed. When she wanted something, she was relentless! And if she didn't like you, you knew it. Jelly was selective who she allowed into her space and heart. She often fought with her "big brother," Basil, though I think there was a bond between them. Basil used to take pieces of dog food from the bowl and hide them. Jelly would calmly sit on the couch, watching as he carefully tucked the food behind the TV or under a blanket. When he left, she'd walk right over to where the food was hidden and help herself!
It's not easy to watch those you love get old and deteriorate physically, whether human or otherwise. Jelly's had health struggles from early on, and in the last year she began to show her age. No more a vibrant puppy, she limped across the floor. But she never lost her spunk!
I initially planned to put my girl down on July 18, but just couldn't do it. Maybe it was denial. Maybe I was selfish. Either way, I am thankful I could keep my final promise to Jelly: that I'd be with her when the end came.
Jelly's end came on Saturday, July 27, 2013. I got home from work, and found her lying on the basement floor, gasping her final breaths. I held my girl and spoke to her until she slipped away at 9 A.M.
She is survived by Basil, and others who loved and cared for her. Life will never be the same without my feisty girl, variously nicknamed "Anaconda," "Tazzy" (as in the Tasmanian Devil), "PITA" (Pain In The +++), and others.
Few saw my baby's sweet, loving side, but it was there. I'll miss snuggling against her soft, furry body, and the kisses she would give me when I'd come home. Rest in peace, my girl. You were mine to love and cherish for a few short years. Now you belong to God. Until we meet again, may he hold you in the palm of his hand.
Gravesite Details
Cremated remains to be buried in at a future date in DeKalb County, Missouri, USA.
