DEZI LOU TAYLOR

Dezi, my beloved Pomeranian companion of nearly 15 years, died on Wednesday, August 20, in the arms of his second mom-my, Angela, while his mommy was on an Alaskan cruise.

The Sunday before he died, he enjoyed a dog day afternoon in the presence of nine other dogs, including his two favorite canine cousins, Maggie and Granddaughter.

Dezi was born October 5, 1999, and I met him when he was 6 weeks old. I sat in a field, along with five other puppies. Dezi came to me immediately and didn’t leave my lap. It was love at first sight, and that love just grew and grew.

Dezi had many friends, both human and canine. He loved his home and neighbors in Shelter Bay, he loved running loose at Martha’s Beach, and loved his car rides. He went everywhere possible with his mommy, including air travel, car trips to Oregon and California, local casinos, friends and family throughout Washington and traveled a lot with his aunt and uncle, Susan and Dan, and to his second home and family in Gold Bar, where he passed peacefully.

God had his plan — it wasn’t mine, but two weeks before his passing, I received a call that a new puppy was available. I said no, not wanting to introduce a new pet into my home at Dezi’s age.

Unbeknownst to me, Dezi passed, and the puppy was still available to visit.

Dezi knew my love for him, and I know he would be happy to know I am now introducing you to my new puppy, Moki Hana, to love and grow old with.

The first time Moki got outside, I looked for her and found her at my front door, the only entry Dezi would ever use. The first toy Moki went to was Dezi’s favorite, an old torn-up monkey.

I know Dezi’s spirit is in Moki, and when I chose her, it was the same, sitting in the grass among five others, she was mine, love at first sight, also.

My thanks to Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon for treating my baby boy like my “baby boy.” They are not only compassionate caretakers for humans, but for our four-legged friends as well.

Dezi will be missed by all. I have a happy heart knowing I will be reunited with him some day, where he will be waiting on the Rainbow Bridge for me.

Rest in Peace, my boy. “The only difference between a child and a dog is two legs” — author unknown.

—Gail Taylor