Alvin

Life happens every day.

From day one to day last, for the past 17 years, Alvin was a part of our lives in the best, most fantastic ways.

A 6-month old rescue that Whitney and I picked up in 2009 from a shelter in Paris, Kentucky – we played hooky from school and work to go get him. He’d been dropped off with his sister (who was adopted before he was) and, we didn’t know this until after we got home – but Alvin wasn’t his original name. In the shelter all he had was a little stuffed chipmunk for a toy – so Alvin it was, and Alvin it would be.

Three states. Seven houses. Marriage. The birth of Penn. Car trips to Florida, Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama. So many monumental moments of our lives that, perhaps at the time, we took them all for granted. And how could we not? With his energy and playfulness we just knew he would live forever.

And then, he didn’t.

I think deep down we knew, like days in winter, time was getting shorter. His age and weakness certainly had us thinking it, but when the vet said it – all we could feel was denial and, despite knowing the truth in our hearts, were unwilling to accept it.

On Thursday, after a few days of trying everything and having no luck with getting him to eat, we received the news of complete kidney failure. We brought him home – and had one more. One more late night ice cream. One more sleep in our bed. One more morning of snuggles. One more homemade steak and eggs breakfast (that he didn’t eat). One more pup cup from Starbucks (that he didn’t lick). One more car ride where we drove by all the houses he lived in. One more time feeling the cold breeze in his ears and nose with the windows down. One more paw sniff. One more time playing the guitar for him. One more time being held in the sunshine.

One more hug. One more kiss. And, eventually, one more breath.

We appreciate Kona’s Loving Paws for the professional attention and delicate care. We appreciate Nicki for being there in the final moments. We appreciate #FaithfulCompanion for the compassion and quick turnaround to get Alvin back.

Thank you, Alvin, for loving us, unconditionally, from day one to day last.

We loved you your whole life. We’ll continue to love you for the rest of ours.

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