01/11/2025
💔💔💔 Ava would have turned 19 in May. She had a long and meaningful life, and I want to honor her by sharing some of the lessons she taught me and the things she loved.
Fierce Loyalty: Ava was incredibly loyal. From the moment she came into my life, she chose me as her person, even when I resisted. Her devotion was unwavering.
Acceptance and Love: Ava taught me to love things as they are. When we adopted her, there were behaviors we thought we needed to change. After countless trainers and attempts, we realized she was perfect as she was—yes, she barked at the wind, she fiercely defended her territory and me, and the dog park was not her scene. But we learned to love her wholeheartedly, quirks and all.
Joy in the Little Things: Ava found happiness everywhere. She lit up when I walked into the room, her stubby tail wagging furiously. She literally smiled on her walks (as long as no person, dog, or stray leaf disrupted her path). She loved sticking her head out of the car window, even though her small size made it a challenge.
Boundless Affection: Ava loved our family deeply. She wasn’t shy about showing it, smothering us with kisses whether we wanted them or not.
A Passion for Food: Ava was the most food-motivated dog I’ve ever known. Mealtime was her favorite part of the day, and she expressed her excitement with hilarious screams of anticipation. She inhaled her food like a vacuum, savoring every bite in her own way.
These are just a few memories of Ava, and I know there’s so much more to say. For now, I’ll remember her loyalty, her quirks, her joy, and her love. She was truly one of a kind.
