Tess ended her life's journey today, 01/23/2008 at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Her condition when I returned home, necessitated I bring her in to the vet's for a humane goodbye.

As I drove home with her on the back seat, in her bed - nearly to our property this song comes on the radio. Instead of turning in to our drive, I turned it up and just continued on.

I never would have put this song to such an occasion, but it is after all, a classic song of heartbreak.


CHRIS ISAAK LYRICS

"Wicked Game"

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you.

No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)

It was dark out and snowing. I drove us through the S curve of the forest preserve, the snow glittering under the lights - beautiful, crystalline snowflakes swirling around. How Tess always loved to roll in the snow! The song helped ease the pain in my heart. So many images - the day I found her in the animal shelter. Our hikes, the beach, the park - and all those glorious days enjoying the gardens right in our own backyard.

What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you and,

I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you.


We lived a lifetime in those three years. What adventures we had! Even our typical days felt special. She brought me through some of the most difficult times of my life. What do I not owe her!

This scruffy little terrier, loaded with so many health challenges brought such unconditional love into my life. I would check in on her sleeping, and my heart would just expand with all the emotion I feel for her.

Lacey, who I put in charge of watching over Tess when I couldn't always be there - comforted her in her last few days.

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you,

No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)

No, I... (This world is only gonna break your heart)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)

Nobody

loves

no one.


These past three years have transformed my life. I don't regret a single moment. No regrets.

Tess's final resting place will be one of great beauty. She will lay beneath the lilac bush in the English Rose garden she so loved to wander.






This summer I will order the rose of her namesake, Tess of the d'Urbervilles and plant three near her spot of quiet repose.

We love you, girl.

Shastie2@comcast.net

Tess's Home Page