The Daily Corgi

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Remembering Melody

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Nearly a month ago, Bob and Laura of St. Louis made the difficult decision to release their brave and beautiful fourteen year-old Melody to the Bridge. In honor of Melody’s battle with illness — and the lifetime of love she gave them — here is Melody’s story, in the words of her Dad.
“Last Summer our beloved Melody was diagnosed with lymphoma. Her picture appeared on The Daily Corgi with an appeal for prayers and good wishes for our beautiful girl as she began chemotherapy and readers responded graciously.

Our very first Corgi, Melody was a perfect example of these enchanted little creatures. She possessed a proud, regal bearing, full of quiet confidence, beauty, devotion, great intelligence and an indomitable will. Even as an adorable little puppy she was the bossiest, sassiest little thing we’d ever encountered … in total control all the time.

As she grew, Melody taught us more and more about what a Corgi was all about and we became ever more amazed (and hopelessly in love with her) and Corgis in general. Our little pack grew to four. Of course, they all wanted to be the boss, but there was never any doubt who was in charge. 

With little brother Teddy

After 14 wonderful years, Melody’s eyes were dimmed with cataracts and she could barely see, but she adapted and overcame. In the bark-filled rush to the door, she was always first to go outside. We had planned to save up and get her cataract surgery to restore her sight, but her little sister Hunny got sick last Spring and we nearly lost her. With more good wishes from Daily Corgi readers, she recovered fully. 

We had barely gotten past Hunny’s ordeal when Melody fell ill. The diagnosis of lymphoma left us shocked and devastated. Our precious girl. Her doctors felt chemo was her only chance. so we began the six month protocol of weekly, then bi-weekly treatments.

Every Monday at 7 a.m. Melody and I would make the trip to the vet hospital, drop her off, return at noon to retrieve her and take her home. No matter how cold or dark or tired the morning was, Melody accepted and never complained. She curled up on her blanket on the car seat and rode nicely, went with the nurses calmly and never complained. Before long, they too were enchanted. They’d meet us at the door saying “Melody’s here, come in Sweetheart … How are you, Baby? … There she is!”After each treatment when I returned to get her, the staff would happily update me on her progress. She did remarkably well, gained weight, and got her her old vigor and sass back. Melody re-assumed her role as leader of our little pack. We spent lots of special time together, cherishing every day. 

Two weeks ago she completed her therapy and we left the hospital to a chorus of “We’ll miss you!” She had done so well in her treatments that her doctor felt Melody’s prognosis was excellent and life expectancy open-ended. We were so proud. Four days later, she suddenly began breathing fast and shallow. We returned to the hospital at 2 a.m., where she was diagnosed with pneumonia. For the next four days her doctors tried everything. Her Mommy Laura and I thought of nothing but our little girl every moment, visiting her and waiting by the phone for some encouraging word. Last Tuesday she took a turn for the worst and we couldn’t bear to see her struggle any longer. With our arms wrapped around her and hearts bursting with love and grief, we said goodbye to our precious angel. 

Words can’t express how much we miss her, and always will, but we must be inspired by her example. Such a brave, strong girl. She never complained, never wavered, never gave up. Neither will we; we will make her proud. 

Though Laura and I both miss her more than we can express, we have begun to explore the only thing that can ease the pain: opening our hearts and homes to another little soul that needs love and a home to call their own. We may be making an adoption of a rescue Corgi (or two!) in the coming days or weeks. I have felt Melody telling us that it was alright, that she’s watching over us and wants us to help another baby, as we did with her almost fifteen years ago. 

Forever grateful for fourteen and-a-half wonderful years, we will think of her every day and feel her love always. God bless our darling girl, our Melody.”

About Laurie Eno

If a hunky Welsh Corgi on a windswept beach is your idea of a celebrity snapshot, welcome home! My name is Laurie Eno and I invite you to the tribe.

Comments

  1. Danielle, Tank, and Juneau says

    I am very sorry for your loss. Sending healing thoughts your way.

  2. Lois says

    I can barely type…but thanks for this lovely story. And you are right, the only thing is to pay it forward by sharing that love, hers and yours, with another soul.

  4. Anonymous says

    Melody sounds like a blessing. This reminds me of what we will have to do to our 13 year old labador retriever. She has a tummer growing on her foot and we have removed it twice and it still comes back. The cancer has spread throughout her body and she can barely move. We know the day is coming. Prayers are for you and Melody and I think the rescue is a great way to say thanks

  5. Anonymous says

    My heart breaks reading your story about Melody. You have great memories to hold onto forever. You are in my prayers.

  6. Nancy P. says

    What a beautiful tribute to your lovely girl. I'm so sorry for your heartbreak.

  7. Nurse Amy says

    Her life was such a blessing for you and everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Your hearts ache so much now, and I'm sure the tears are never far away, but her life had so much meaning, and the joy of those 14 years is something so incredibly precious. And because of her, you have gone on to take several more of these wonderful little creatures. She will always live on in your hearts.

  8. mtv says

    What a beautiful story. thanks for sharing it with us! Praying for you to have God's peace with her passing.
    Aunt MTV

  9. Anonymous says

    I knew I should't have rad this beig at work…I'm such a softie about such things. I know the heartaches must be overwhelming and I can only offer condolences from afar. May you have peace soon with the loss of your precious girl and know that she's running in fields of green with so many that have gone before her.

  10. Anonymous says

    I too read this at work and have tears going down my face. Thank you for sharing Melody with us and what wonderful memories you have of her. She was a strong girl until the very end. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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