Isolation, Sadness, Fear and Losing Your Best Friend — A Recipe for Disaster

In September of 2020, I moved down South after living most of my life in the Northeast. COVID and unfortunate events surrounding family left me roaming between friends’ couches from the end of March until early September.

The one constant in my life since October 2005 was my Bichon Sammy. Sammy wasn’t just my dog; he understood my heart. He knew how much his presence in my life helped me during rough times.

People around me during those times knew I wouldn’t accept an invitation without Sammy. Many times I didn’t attend family gatherings if he wasn’t allowed. He needed to understand (as much as dogs can)I was loyal to him. The worst thing Sammy could imagine was watching me leave without him.

By the time I moved in September, Sammy was dying. He made it to the apartment I currently rent, but I knew time was short.

In the first week of October, despite being in my apartment for a month, I couldn’t make next month’s rent without a job. Miraculously, a friend helped me land the perfect job working remotely. Health issues prevent me from working typical jobs, so this was a pure, real miracle.

About 36 hours after getting hired, Sammy died in my arms early in the AM hours. It was as if he knew I was OK, and he could…