Sometimes a Snowflake falls in August

To quote Richard Adams' classic Watership Down, "My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today."

The words from the sometimes chilling tale of rabbits that haunted my thoughts as a youth--I would watch the film again and again, every time still tearing up over the plight of the poor bunnies--have struck a chord in my heart today.

A beloved member of my family, though furry and waggle-tailed, passed away this day, Aug. 24.

Snowflake came into our lives before I turned 22, owned by a then-boyfriend's family. She would unhook herself from the chain they kept her on and chase cows in the fields near her old home. The family decided to give her to a new home lest she become the victim of a farmer's bullet or take a lethal kick to the brow from a heifer.

My parents were not really looking to get a new dog. The last one, a golden retriever named Sparky, had taken quite the toll on my mother when the dog succumbed to death's call.

But when they met Snowflake, she somehow melted their hearts and was welcomed into our home and our lives.

In a fenced enclosure, she would run and play her merry days away. When night would settle over our wooded back yard, she would snuggle in a tight coil in her house, but she always kept keenly alert to the things going bump in the dark.

I felt safe returning home late if I would go out. She would greet me with a few happy barks and sometimes with a wet, slobbery doggy kiss.

Before I left for the day, she would run and jump with delight. Knowing I was a sucker for her charms, she would be rewarded with a pat on the head. I would give her some praise, much-deserved attention and the occasional cookie.

She was a fuzzy, white angel, a white German Shepard to be exact, who would dance in a little circle, spinning to and fro at the clap of your hands.

There was no pain on her face this morning when she was found; her paws were crossed peacefully, like she had fallen asleep and it was so pleasant and full of nice dreams that she just forgot to wake up. Truly this little angel had fallen into our lives, now out of them.

We never saw it coming. I did not even know what had transpired for my mother cried out like a banshee, wailing, crying and moaning at the sight. Some people do not think of pets so dearly as others, but to my mother and our family, this little girl, she was special.

We take these little creatures and let them in our lives knowing they will not be with us forever. Today, I was reminded of how brief someone special can be in your life and how precious the memories you keep and the times you spend with everyone in your life truly are.

In our busy day-to-day lives, we sometimes take them for granted. I know with all I do at this campus, my schedule is pretty full. But for this moment, in this article, I would like to take a minute to show some appreciation.

Mom and dad, thanks for loving me, accepting my love and putting up with my hectic life and the crap I occasionally dish out. Belle, my little dog, thanks for all the smiles you bring to my face and for being by my side in hard times and good times, no matter what.

To my siblings, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, cousins, aunts, uncles, random other family members, Todd and Hisako, you guys are crazy fun, and I am sorry I do not always have the time to attend gatherings. I appreciate that you all still accept me in the family. Bro, it has been so long, and I miss you.

To the current man in my life, I want to say happy birthday, baby. I hope it was swell. You are the best thing I found on a Greyhound bus, and perhaps you will be the greatest adventure of my life. So far, it has been a blast. Here's to the future.

To the staff of The Current, past and present, you guys work hard and play harder, and for those of you who are in my life or out of it, you have each brought something into my life and taught me about life, work and being part of something bigger than myself.

Last, to Snowflake, though you are gone and I will not find you happily running about in your pen again, you will not be forgotten. I am so thankful for all the smiles you brought into my life. Enjoy those dreams, girl, and have a wonderful rest.