My Dearest Zoey

My Beloved  Zoey, 

Today was hard. I started having a panic attack right before I left the house.  This was my annual checkup day, and it was the first one without you. 

I did my bestest to remain strong for your mom, Teri, today. Today was not about shedding tears over you. We both had to get through today to get me through my appointments. 

Let me tell you, baby girl, how today went. 

Your big brother Kolby shined. He greeted me like he knew me. Hugs from your mom. And then hugs from our friend, Robert. 

Kolby immediately took to me petting him. We were off to my first appointment.  Every place we went in JACC (Joe Arrington Cancer Center in Lubbock), everyone had to meet and love on your brother. 

He was attentive and alert to everyone. He was petted by many. We were even treated to a rescue story from an older couple about a dog they recently rescued. How lovely that this older couple still has a big enough heart to bring a dog into their lives.  Rescuing should have no age.  

Most importantly, Kolby was attentive to me. Not like you. But in his own gentle way. The best part your brother gave me kisses and sat in my lap.  You never sat on my lap, baby girl. But you lovingly did just sit with me to keep my anxiety at bay.

Your brother’s presence brought smiles who are facing the uncertainty of their own worlds. Those smiles were priceless. The best part people would look up from their phones to smile at Kolby. 

My beloved Zoey, there was not a minute that you were not missed by me and your mom today. For all these years, you were by my side during these checkups. You gave me a silent strength by being who you were with your gentleness. Today, Kolby shared his strength. Kept my breathing steady and anxiety at bay. His kisses were reassuring, saying, “Don’t worry, everything will be okay. I got you.”

You must’ve been there in spirit today. My appointments went fast and painlessly. 

Can you believe Dr. Shalaby petted your brother? He actually complimented him on being a good-looking dog. 

After I was done, I came out of the door, and immediately, Kolby jumped up to greet me. My report was PERFECT, baby girl.

Thank you, Zoey, for your presence and love all these years. Thank you for your patience waiting with me all those hours. Thank you for sharing your heart. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank your mom for sharing you with me. Your mom is an angel.

Zoey, our heavenly angel, you gave us so much. Forever ingrained in our hearts. 

I just wanted you to know your brother Kolby brought the smiles and love not only to me, but others today. You would have been proud of him. Then again, you cannot tell me your spirit was not with us, guiding our journey as I navigated today. 

My beloved Zoey, you showed that dogs have souls. Your mom’s heart is still hurting. Check in on her, as will I. 

Here are some photos from today for you to see.

Until  Valhalla, when we meet again. 

Christena 

Author’s Note::

Zoey served as a Pet Therapy Dog from  2018 to 2025. She passed suddenly in early June 2025 from cancer. Say a prayer for her mom, who is still grieving.