Swanwick Star Issue No. 4 (2011)

Goodbye Amigo!

May 18, 2011

Dear Luis,

Thank you so much for talking to me about Amigo’s life and death.  I loved Amigo very much. He was a great comfort to me while Goggles was alive and these last few years when I have fed the birds. When one of my beloved friends dies, I find some lasting comfort in writing about their special ways and, then, looking at what I’ve written from time to time. So I want to share with you the ways that Amigo touched my heart. I hope that as the days pass this will help to remind you of his sweetness each time you miss him. When Goggles was alive, Amigo and Gigi would often keep me company out in the field. Amigo was amazing at knowing my routines, whether I was caring for Goggles or feeding the birds. Even though you asked me not to give him treats, he still came around to the car to check. But most of the time Amigo just liked to sit beside me after I had fed Goggles and brushed her. If he was feeling frisky, he would fetch one of his toys or a piece of wood in the field and tease me into chasing him. And I remember when I bought him the toy tire how you said he carried it around for days, only dropping it to eat. As tired as I often was when I cared for Goggles, he teased me by keeping the toy just out of my reach and this little game gave me new energy and such joy. I know this is one of the reasons I will miss him. With all the suffering in the world touching my heart daily, I deeply appreciate the animals in my life who instantly take me into the blissful present. Lately, Amigo would come out about once a week to where I feed the birds. He would wait until I had fed them, sniffing around for a few minutes, but never walking away until I had rubbed his tummy. Even if I was dressed for town, I could always rub his tummy because he was careful not to muddy my clothes. And he would be so happy, so content, so blissful. I would speak to him in Spanish saying “buenos dias, Amigo” or “buenos tardes, Amigo” and “gracias” for coming to see me. He would come even in the rain. And in the first few weeks after Goggles died, when I would just sit in the field remembering her, Amigo and Gigi would sit with me, sometimes for an hour. Then, Amigo would bring a stick or toy and get me out of myself and my memories. He was really a wonderful companion, a very special soul, and I will always be grateful for the time we had together.

Respectful, loving best wishes, Pamela Joy Miller