ABISH

As some of you know, Abish, the beloved dog of the Agle jr.'s passed away last Sunday.  I don't think there ever was a dog more loved than Abish.  Everyone in the family, even Dennis, but especially Suzanne had very special feelings for her.  The thing that most impressed me was that rain or shine, snow or heat, summer or winter, at around 4a and 4p Suzanne took Abish on her twice daily walks.  We'll all miss Abish, but since Suzanne was her primary caretaker, I asked her to write a few thoughts about her beloved Lab.

My Thoughts on Abish (by Suzanne)

When we bought our house 8 years ago, it came with an "extra" She was a 1yr old golden lab who had been found in the Walmart parking lot by the home owner's son 4 weeks before we arrived on the scene. This dog had come up to his car when he arrived for his 8hr work shift and was still there when he came out of work! He had tried to find her owners but the phone number on her collar had been disconnected. "Lost " signs around the town came up empty as did ads in the local newspapers. The son was going on a mission. The Mom already had 2 little dogs and didn't want a 3rd. Her loss became our gain in so many ways.

It is with great sadness though that we experienced loss on Sunday when this glorious animal of ours died.

We renamed this large, energy driven puppy, Abish. She was the most beautiful dog ever. She loved everyone and was convinced everyone loved her. What she lacked in brains she easily made up for in love. (The best combination in any creature if you ask me). We became a fixture in our neighborhood. Twice daily walks rain or shine or snow. Abish especially loved the snow and at the end of every winter walk she would flop down on our lawn and roll enthusiastically in the snow. Her version of snow angels.

She was very good when we weren't home in the day, just waiting patiently, never destructive but when you came home, a better welcome did not exist! She just loved people, their company, their presence. She did not have to be the center of attention but if you could spare some minutes to pet her, give her a tummy rub, sit on the floor beside her, stroke those velvet ears, she was the happiest dog around.

Abish waiting at thetop of the stairs for the folks to come home.

 She didn't particularly like night time, the lack of human companionship, and so we would leave the light on and the radio playing softly to keep her company.

Sometimes even Papa would serenade Abish.

Abish could hear the rustle of food from anywhere in

the house no matter how quiet you tried to be.

When she began to struggle with her health about a month ago, I was so worried she would suffer. No one this wonderful should have to suffer, especially when they can't tell you what is wrong. Saturday was rough and sweet Abish was not doing well. I sat up with her all night Saturday night and by Sunday, knew that she did not have long. Sashy and I stayed with her all day on Sunday. Danielle joined us after church and Kate took Dennis to the airport for me. By 5pm I was praying that the Lord would take her home. We held her and she was just struggling so badly. Just before 6pm I told her it was okay for her to go. That we would be ok and she needed to go. At 6pm she took her last breath and went "home".

I will, for a short time, miss my "friend" and yet I truly know I will see her again. If she was asked,"Did you do the job I sent you to do?" I can testify on her behalf with a resounding YES! She was kind and gentle and loved unconditionally....a lesson we can all learn from a beautiful soul known as Abish.