Goodnight, sleep tight...

Elvis and Blackie, 1/1/06

This blog is dedicated to our amazing girl, but I wanted to dedicate this entry to my "first" little responsibility, Elvis. He was my faithful companion for 10 years -- a loyal, spunky, sweet and very handsome Cairn Terrier. He's been with my parents for the past 2 years in Baltimore, since Amelia. Beyond the obvious difficulties of having a special needs baby come into your life, add living in Manhattan where you have to take your dog for walks and having a husband who can get a job out of nowhere (and we're praying for that to happen any day now!) and have to fly off to some exotic location for however many months to shoot....not so great to add a dog into that mix.

We had to put down Nestor's faithful companion, Blackie the Yellow Lab, when we returned with Amelia from LA, almost two years ago, which was a heartbreak. And Elvis, who was in good health then, stayed with my folks...and trust me...he did very well down there. Big house, big yard, lots of cozy cuddles and table scraps.

Not too long ago my folks, who hadn't wanted to upset me, informed me that Elvis had diabetes and was getting insulin shots with meals now. Soon after, he lost his sight, but was still gettin on, gettin on. Last week, just after our visit, he started going downhill a little, my Mom starting cooking soup and such for him because the vet said he was dehydrated and his kidneys were failing. He started throwing up a lot after he ate...anyway, my Mom called this morning to tell me they were taking him to the vet to have him put to sleep. This morning when my Dad came downstairs Elvis had made a mess. He took the little guy outside, when they came in he had a seizure and went comatose.

Sadly, I feel like I said goodbye to my little friend two years ago. I have been so wrapped up with Amelia and even when I would come in to visit, I barely had time to get down onto the floor and play with him. But he always responded to me, never held a grudge. Even when he went blind, his ears would perk up, his tongue and tail would wag when he would hear me...that's what our pets do, I guess -- give us unconditional love. The last goodbye I gave him was not fitting for a last goodbye.

I am so sad. Losing Elvis is losing one of the last links to my single life. Before I was Amelia's Mom, or Nestor's wife. When I was Debbie Ross. A young, hopeful, bright ingenue, who wanted to conquer the stage and screen. Elvis and I were great roomates. I lived in a floor thru above the infamous Elaine's Restaurant on the upper east side, with a loooong hallway, which he used as a raceway -- back and forth. We had lots of parks nearby, single friends (and sister) with dogs and a neighborhood who knew and loved him -- even Elaine used to ask me to bring Elvis down to see her. He used to get me out of the house on those beautiful weekend days, that many New Yorkers will just ignore and stay in bed. He also got me out of several boring dates when I claimed I had to get home because my dog needs to be walked. Elvis was a little guy, 26-28lbs, and was a little skittish because he always wanted to be right by you, which meant he would get stepped on unless he jumped out of the way, but he was always up for any adventure.

I love my family. I love being Mrs. Serrano and Amelia's Mommy. I have wonderful memories of yesterdays and am very lucky for the life I have led thus far. Those that have passed in and out of my life have left their mark...some deeper than others.