Ziggy Zen
Our beloved Boston terrier, Ziggy, passed away last week. She was nearly 14 years old and lived a full, happy life. She was the runt of her litter and struggled over the years with health problems and in the last year, blindness and deafness. Yet she graciously coped with her handicaps and still gave all she had to love the ones around her. She was most famous for her snorts, snores, and other ‘noises’ (and smells). The house was never quiet with her around!
Ziggy knew no fear. Big animals did not scare her and she ‘won’ them over by showing affection even in the face of aggression.
She liked to be held when she was hurting. When she gave birth to her litter of puppies, instead of retreating to a quiet closet, she surprised my teenage son by dropping her first puppy on his chest while he was sleeping!
For nine years she sat beside me at Abilene’s Artwalk, greeting dreamers who came to get their dreams interpreted. She greeted people at my home for countless meetings and classes. She welcomed everyone and snuggled with all who needed a special touch. She knew who was hurting, and she knew just what to do for them. Maybe it was to make them laugh.
Best of all, Ziggy rolled with the punches. She was a trooper. This old gal and I have been through an awful lot together…surgeries, kids growing up and moving on, a divorce, seasons of devastating pain, several moves, a marriage, a new family, massive change. Through it all, she kissed my tears, and her snuggles and antics brought me comfort beyond words. She has been the best sidekick.
And oh, how she loved grandbaby Ellie!
Near the end, she couldn’t see, and kept bumping into everything, she couldn’t hear her mommy’s voice, she could hardly walk. And she survived a long, icy Wisconsin Winter after years of living in Texas. Yet she kept plodding along. One day at a time, one challenge at a time, never whining or giving up.
Within an hour after she passed to ‘Rainbow Bridge’, a huge, double rainbow appeared over our neighborhood!
Ziggy’s legacy will live on! She taught me a lot of things along the way. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned from her:
–—Fear no one! It’s your Big confident attitude that communicates and scares away the predators
-—Determine to enjoy every adventure and don’t fear the change. New things can be Good things
-—Greet every challenge and new visitor with an enthusiastic wag, and think the very BEST about them, first
-—Treats and delights are good. Enjoy every one of them to the fullest
-—People may make fun of the way you look, the way you snort, the way you walk. They feel irritated or disapproving because of your freedom and personality. Don’t take it personally and keep on being uniquely YOU
-—Do everything you can to make people happy. Life is short and people need all the encouragement and love that they can get
-—When you hurt, run to the ones who love you and let them help you get through the pain. Let your people take care of you
-—When the world seems dark and God seems quiet, keep going, one step at a time. Keep moving, with hope that everything will all work out
Over the years we we walked thousands of miles together on trails and in neighborhoods. She was such a great gift, a great dog. The house is deafeningly silent without my little Ziggy. It was an honor to wrap her up in my arms as she passed from this life. A huge part of my heart is missing, but I am forever grateful for the countless happy laughs, snorts, and memories.
I’ve seen Ziggy in my dreams—twice—since she passed. She was playing happily with other dogs, seeing and hearing again, without pain or confusion. Ready for the next adventure. Sweet Dreams!
RIP sweet baby Zig!
Awww…so sorry…but she is in your mansion waiting for when you come home to heaven! Blessings ❤️
Damaris! Great to see your name and think of you! Thank you for your comment. Hope you are well!
Merry