05/28/2026
Millie
My oldest daughter, then about 11 or 12, begged and bargained for a dog.
With a house of 7 people, my wife and I were not very enthusiastic about having another responsibility though.
Of course, our child wore us down and brought Millie in our lives.
K-head left for college and as we knew we would, we became the main care takers of Millie.
We didn’t embrace the role very well at first. There has been many a p*e spot in my house that was cleaned and cussed over.
Millie was persistent with her chasing of our hearts though.
She chased no cats or cars. Millie had no temperament for bu****it like that.
Putting a leash on little Millie didn’t really help to wrangle her. She refused to walk where you wanted her to but she pranced in whichever direction she went. She always tangled our legs up a bit.
As a younger girl she would play a little spunky tag game with us, zoom around the living room and back.
As Millie became older, she didn’t run around much anymore. She didn’t realize it but she became such an important confidant to all of us.
The foot of our bed which became her permanent chill spot became an alter of sorts.
Us and the kids would come and kneel down, bow our heads and bask in the love and warmth of her every day, morning and night.
She lost her sight eventually and we had to take her out and to her food and water daily.
Even then, her presence was invaluable because she absorbed all of our sorrow and long days when we came to her at the foot of our bed.
I have so many memories of sadness and pain that Millie helped comfort me through.
Millie was stoic yet so understanding.
She loved all of us despite anything.
We have pillows, pajamas, tattoos and more representing her already.
She was such a timely source of love in our lives for so many years.
We will miss Millie and we are so thankful for her ever needed counsel and love.
