Today I had to say goodbye to one of my closest companions for the past 15 years. This has been one of the hardest moments, and I knew he waited for me until I came back from my trip. I had minimal sleep last night, crying as I looked at him, as he looked at me, his head rested on my hand, and we both knew our remaining time is limited. I played my Puzo playlist day and night, which consisted of his favorite classical, jazz, and kirtan songs (his favorite song is by Paz – Om Ganapataye, which I played in the vet office as he died).
I’ve had so many memories with this being who came into my life when I was 28, and has now left when I was 43. We had 15 years and 1 month together. Over the years, he’s travelled to more places than some humans. He was a gift from my mother from Amish country in Ohio to NYC (with sidetrips to Connecticut, Vermont, Philly), and two moves to California, Hawaii, and we lived in three residences in the United Kingdom (he even visited Scotland), and finally Paris France. I know he has now transitioned to a place where he will have further adventures and watch over me from above.
It was through walking him and his sister Bella, that I began to talk to strangers in these unfamiliar cities or to explore parks in places I would never have frequented. He opened my heart in ways I didn’t know it was possible. We named him Puzo, as Anthony’s favorite author was Mario Puzo (author of the Godfather), but puso in Tagalog (the Filipino language) means heart. He definitely lived into the name of Gangsta Mafia and Fullness of Heart. I love you Puzo, and I’ve appreciated every joyful, crazy, hilarious, difficult, touching moment with you over the years. We will miss you and I know you will be watching over us and protecting us in this next phase.
It Only Takes A Smile 