Dearest Tillie

My Tillie,
Where do I begin? You were my heart, my little white angel. And you had to leave. I never had children, and you were my child for 15 years. You will forever hold a most special place in my heart. Sometimes I truly think you're still with me. Wow, how many states did we work and play in, from CA to NY and back. We had the best of times, and made the best of friends. Some of my closest friends are because of you Tillie. I wouldn't have met them without the bridge you put between us. Even today, there would be no PetBrags or the friends I've made here, if not for your lasting memory. So, WOW - - it's really not possible to thank you enough.

When I think about the day Daddy passed, and how you left your little gift for me, it still amazes me. How did you do that? You left 2 1/2 weeks before he did. So many people saw it. So, it wasn't my imagination. I walked out of that hospital, when it was over. I didn't think I could take another step. I had lost my world, first you, then my hero. I tried so hard to save you both. I don't think I slept for 2 months.

You know what Tillie? One of the last things Daddy said - - he cried as he told his nurse that I had just lost you. He didn't know I was in the room. The kindness of his heart was never ending. He wasn't the type to carry on about a pet kid. But he loved you too. I remember catching him once sneaking you food, LOL. I was looking out the bay window, and I saw him looking around to make sure no one was watching. He bent over and gave you a bite of his food. That's when I knew he was hooked too. I never said anything. But, I will never forget it.

Anyhow, that day he left us, when I finally made it to the car, the emptiness I felt can't be put into words. I know I'm not the only person to lose my loved ones, but it makes it no easier. When I looked up, the evening sun was shining on the back window of the car. I couldn't believe my eyes. On the opposite side of your regular spot in the back seat were these little paw prints. Then I thought, wait, a doggie must have jumped on my window. That made me smile. When I took the tissue that was wet with tears, I tried to wipe one of the prints off. It didn't go away. I crawled into the back seat of my car. When I looked up, it was clear to me. The paw prints were on the inside. Wow, what a surreal and wonderful experience this was. The sun was shining through the glass and the paw prints. And the most amazing thing of all, there was a cross on top of two of the prints. It looked like someone had taken their finger and drawn the cross. You were too old and sick to have jumped that high in the car to leave those prints. At that point, it would have been completely impossible. So, the paw prints were not left over from weeks before. And you had never really been on that side of the car. Your little spot was on the other side. The cross, I sure can't explain. There were no other animals in my car, so it had to be you. But, the really awesome thing is: you let me know you were young and healthy again. You could jump so high. Thank you for leaving those prints Tillie. It helped me more than you will ever know. It helped me survive it all. That was 3 years ago. I still haven't washed that window. But I know by your paw prints, you and Daddy both are truly healthy and happy, leaving your prints all over Heaven.

Thank you Tillie. I will always love you.
xox,
Bragger