Forever in my heart (1999-2010)

Oliver & Me (11th Birthday Party)

Puppy (1999)

Our Wedding

In his element

Favorite time of the year.....

His favorite donut bed

My sweetest Oliver, I love you.....

In mid-September this year, although he fought bravely, our sweetest boy Oliver passed away. It has taken me this long to say, but as 2010 has come to a close, I couldn’t leave this year and enter a new one without a dedication to my constant companion and source of inspiration.

I believe angels live among us because I’m pretty sure I lived with one for almost 12 years. When I met him May 26, 1999 at the Animal Regulation Division at Santa Monica’s Police Department, he was disguised as a 4 month old Shepard Mix named “George” (you can read about our first encounter here). I eventually named him Oliver. From that day on, he changed my life forever, and for the better.

Through the years, our relationship transformed and our bond grew deeper. We grew up together through my 20’s and he gracefully entered my 30’s with me, as life began to figure itself out. Over time, I began to understand the lessons that he sprinkled throughout my path. He taught me the meaning of unconditional love, patience, forgiveness and how to appreciate the most simple things in life.

With each passing year, he grew sweeter and more endearing. And as each of those years passed, my heart ached a little more knowing that he was unfairly getting older. And although I knew that unimaginable time would come, I didn’t expect it to come as quickly as it did. When it did, my heart felt like it had stopped for a moment and it took my breath away.

There are endless things about Oliver that I miss. I miss how he accompanied me to the studio almost everyday, hugging him throughout the day just because and especially when work just became work and at times mundane, having him enthusiastically greet my husband and I at the door when we would return from an errand, watching him run through the park after a fresh snowfall in sheer bliss, laying on the couch together as I watched movies on a lazy afternoon, and kissing him on the forehead goodnight to end my day.

Everyone that knew Oliver, knew him as the handsome gentle giant with kind and soulful eyes. He had those big brown eyes that tugged at everyone’s hearts. Even when he wasn’t feeling well, his eyes sparkled bright.

Beautiful, wonderful Oliver, you are an angel and I will never forget you. You blessed me with your love and it will forever live in my heart.

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