MorningBird

The House is no longer safe from Green Balls

Goodbye Sambuca

My friend Sambuca died last night. His mother, Debbie Lakoff, checked him out of the hospital earlier in the day so that he could spend his last hours at home with his family. He walked into the house and laid down in the living room, not bothering to go upstairs, as if he knew it was time to let go of his old, worn-out body.  It was harder for us to let go of him.

Sambuca was a young spirit trapped in a senior citizen’s body, and his big heart was strong to the end. He had only one request, a serving of his favorite dessert, Frosty Paws, and then he rested while we said our tearful goodbyes. Kind and dignified to the end, he looked at us with forgiving eyes as if to say, “It’s OK.” 

 I knew Sambuca for five of his thirteen years. He was a goofy, playful, kind, gentle, loving, and faithful dog; all heart, a typical Labrador retriever. I loved him. He brought joy to everyone who met him and I believe his spirit will be with us forever.