Abigail Prichard Holt (1996 - 2009)

About ten weeks ago, we said good-bye to Amos Moses, a brindle Scottish terrier. Today, July 1, 2009, we said good-bye to another member of our family, our West Highland terrier, Abigail.

Abigail was a birthday present for Patty. She picked her up from a small town in SC in October of 1996. Our children were adolescents -- not yet teenagers. Now, our youngest is a junior in college. Abigail was truly part of the family. She grew up with our family. She became a part of our family here in SC, traveled with us to Texas, and returned with us to SC. She's been with us longer than any other pet. She's simply been with us -- and, today, we let her go.

For the past week, she had begun to throw up regularly (one to two times a day). We thought it was just a temporary illness, but this morning we discovered through the vet that her kidneys were shutting down.

Marie, a family friend and a dear friend and often caretaker of our pets, was with us today. Marie wept with us as she said good-bye to Abby. She was with us when Amos passed also. We're grateful. Thank you, Marie.

Patty and I wept together as we put Abigail to rest. She died in our arms.

In memory of Abigail, I leave this tribute and these memories:

• Some of her "pet" names: Lolly, Lolligail, Abby, Nani.
• She had a character mix of a dog and a cat -- incredibly independent, but often ready to lounge in a lap.
• When we called, if she didn't want to come, she wouldn't. Most of the time she was obedient, but sometimes it was obvious that she wanted to make a point. It was if she wanted us to know that her obedience was her choice, not our mandate.
• She was the alpha bitch. She made it clear to our other pets (and sometimes us) who was in charge.
• Although she was Patty's dog officially, I typically won the calling contest. Calling Abby from different corners of the room (or sides of the bed), she almost always came to me.
• She was very well mannered. When we had guests over, she rarely "jumped up" on anyone. However, she would greet them with a nose-nudge against the leg inviting a back-scratch, head-rub, or offering a licking if you wanted.
• She'd often play with her bones or treats. She'd run into a spacious area and begin flipping it into the air (much like a cat playing with a mouse).
• She loved playing tug-of-war with her toys -- either with us or with the other dogs.
• She loved to walk. In the last year, I began having to carry her near the end because she didn't have the energy to finish the full walk.
• She had almost a human personality.

• She was often moody.

  When we were preparing to go on vacation, she'd hover around us as we packed. She loved being around us and didn't like it when we left.

  When we went away on vacation, upon return she would "ignore us" for a while making sure that we knew she didn't appreciate not being able to accompany us on the trip.

  When she was ill, she'd follow Patty around the house trying to communicate with her.

  Patty and I often fed her dinner with a fork.

  She enjoyed sharing my snacks --pretzels, peanuts, ...

• She loved back scratches. She'd let me know when she wanted them by climbing into my lap and starting to lick my face. She'd be content as her back was scratched. If I stopped, she'd lick my face incessantly until I started scratching her back again. I usually had to set her aside to stop the cycle.
• She didn't care to much for getting into the lake but she loved the boat rides.

As with Amos, I wept at her passing. But, having written the blog about my sadness with Amos and discovering what God's Word says about animals, I'm no longer confused about my grief. All creatures -- great and small -- are part of God's plan, his story, and the abundance that he provides for us.

I loved Abigail. I'll miss her. Goodbye Lolly.