An Update

So it’s been a little over two weeks since my dear Washington passed away. Not gonna lie… it’s been rough. Habits I’ve developed over the past 11 years no longer have any meaning. Things I’ve grown accustomed to have disappeared. The unfulfilled plans. The unused birthday gifts. And, of course, the questions and regrets. His passing wasn’t sudden in the sense of an accident or anything, but no one expected that his time had come.

Of course, the general state of affairs have done little to improve my mood. From big things like the cruel treatment some police officers inflict on suspects and innocent protestors to little things like waiting and waiting for my manga orders to be shipped.

But ultimately, life goes on. I know that, technically, Washington is “just a dog” compared to the lives lost by violence or illness, but we’ve spent very little time apart over the 11 years since he was adopted. So not having him around has been very lonely. It still brings me to tears, and it likely will forever, just like with my first dog, Buddy. Still, nothing will bring either of them back, and I have to adapt to my new normal — and that includes doing all the things I used to do, like blogging.

I do want to thank all of you who offered condolences and support in my notice. I usually try to respond to all comments on this blog, and while I have been reading them, I just couldn’t respond. Please note that I did read every one and I appreciate your thoughts. I hope you will understand and will accept this as my gratitude.

I’m sure some of you are wondering but may be afraid to ask in fear of sounding insensitive: will I get another dog? The answer is, while I will always love dogs, for multiple reasons, that may not ever happen. But I am glad that, as one of the positive effects of the pandemic, animal adoptions are way up and many shelters are well below max capacity.

And I do hope that if you are in need of a four-legged friend, you will turn to some sort of rescue organization. Both Buddy and Washington came from shelters, and I was fortunate to spend over a decade with each of them. I’m sure you too will find a lifelong best friend. You may unfortunately not meet them as a puppy or be able to have bragging rights as a purebreed, but they will give you something even better: their love — a strong bond that overrides their misfortune for having ended up as a homeless pet. And neither you nor they will ever forget that feeling.

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11 Comments

  1. LitaKino

    Krystal… I am so sorry to hear about lossing your fur baby. I was away past month from online so I didn’t know. I lost my kitty nearly a year next month it’ll be and even now I still walk into laundry in the mornings thinking he’ll still be there to greet me. It never gets easier, don’t force yourself for it to make it easier.

    Don’t feel the need to rush back over to blogging right away. There is already enough doom and gloom to not get swallowed up in.

    Make sure to take care of yourself !! 💖💖

    Reply
  2. Scott

    This is what I went through when Anna passed away almost a year ago. We have a new dog by the name of Nala now and she’s great and funny, but the feelings around Anna never disappear. ☹️

    I’m still sorry for your loss.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Thank you. I totally understand those feelings — it’s great Nala became a part of your family, but you still wish Anna was around.

      Reply
  3. moyatori

    So sad to hear about this. It’s okay if you don’t get to all of our comments during this time, but please remember take care of yourself. 💛

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Thank you very much. It’s hard but I also miss interacting with everyone on here.

      Reply
  4. alsmangablog

    I’m very sorry for your loss. Pets are such special companions, I still get emotional sometimes when I think about the cat I had as a child.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Thank you. I’m sure your cat was a wonderful friend as well.

      Reply
  5. Takuto's Anime Cafe

    Sending love Krystal, and take all the time you need 💜

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Thank you. I appreciate that.

      Reply
  6. Yon Nyan

    I have a bird right now that is very sick. I’ve had him for 23 years, got him when I was 10. I have a feeling that he doesn’t have much longer left to live and I keep falling apart over it. I don’t think animals are “just pets,” especially when you grow up with them or spend a long time with them. You have my deepest sympathies and I hope with my whole heart that you can find comfort in the memories you have with him and move forward when you’re ready to. ♥♥♥

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Thank you. Best wishes and good vibes to you and your bird. I hope that no matter how long you have together, you two get to enjoy every day and make some more good memories.

      Reply

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