Sometimes, the biggest teachers are very small. Our beloved friend Georgia, weighed 21 pounds when we said goodbye to her yesterday. But when she came into our lives 11 years ago, she was a mere 2 pounds 2 ounces. She could stand in the palm of my hand, and was practically the same size as the Beanie Baby toy that came with her.
Holding her for the first time, my husband joked, “I thought we were getting a dog not a hamster.”
Back then, we didn’t know anything about animal issues. Like so many people who decide they want a dog, we started by looking in pet stores and classified ads. It seems unfathomable to us now, but we actually wound up ordering Georgia off the internet. (The photo above was the one sent to us by the breeder.) However, within the first 48 hours of bringing her home, she wound up in the emergency room and was given only a “fair” chance of survival. We were devastated and couldn’t understand why this little puppy was so ill. Later, we started to learn about backyard breeders and puppy mills – something I had never even heard of before. (I often say Georgia changed our lives because learning about how people bred dogs gradually led us to learn about how people bred other animals, too. It was the beginning of the path that eventually led us towards becoming vegan.)
Thankfully, Georgia recovered (although she continued to have health issues for the rest of her life). She wanted to be near me all the time – especially when she was a puppy. I was working on developing my illustration business at the time, so I spent a lot of time on the computer. In order to keep her close, I fashioned a sling for her to sleep in and wore it around my neck. She would fall asleep on my chest just like a little baby. So sweet, so gentle.
Eventually she grew into a beautiful, soulful, determined and unique little dog who really stood apart from others. She was never one to follow the pack. She marched to the beat of her own drum and did things her own way.
There was something meditative, deep and stoic about her. Her eyes were wise and soulful. We started calling her Little Buddha. (Her other nicknames were Jeeper-G, Little G, and Gina Bear.) If our other dog, Lucy, had so much as a twig stuck to her fur, everyone on the block would hear about it. Georgia was the opposite; she never complained.
Once, we feared she was lost and searched the house and yard in a panic, calling her name for the better part of an hour. Eventually, we found her sleeping peacefully in the bedroom closet. Her toenail had gotten caught in the carpet, so she decided to just hang out until we discovered her and got her untangled. No barking, no whining, just Buddha.
She went with the flow, but she could also be obsessive. Oceans and rivers were her favorite places on earth and she loved going to them with an intensity. She was an avid shell collector, and later, became fixated with rocks.
Bark at rock . . . lift rock in mouth . . . drop rock in sand . . .repeat.
That was Georgia’s idea of the perfect way to spend the day. And the bigger and heavier the shell or rock, the better. I once saw her pick up a rock the size of a brick. She was a dogged dog, that’s for sure. If she wanted to do something, she did it. But she could also be quite silly, as this (our favorite) photo shows. Here she had just finished playing with her monkey puppet and was chewing on a piece of dried sweet potato. We would say, “oooooohhhhhh Georrrrrgiaaaa, can you have that?” and she would wag her tail and growl playfully. I see her true spirit shining in this picture.
Because she was so beautiful, people would often stop to ask where we got her. We would tell them our story and how knowing her put us on a path to a more compassionate way of life. I would recount a conversation I had with a woman who was informing me about puppy mills. “They’re horrible!” she exclaimed. “They treat dogs just like livestock.” And I wondered: why is it ok to treat any animal like that? Why is it ok to harm and kill cows but not dogs? Hens but not cats? As the Mercy for Animals brochure so aptly asks, “Why love one but eat the other?” Don’t all animals deserve our kindness and compassion? Some people would nod politely and walk away. But with others, I could feel my words registering somewhere in their hearts. Taking root.
If telling Georgia’s story helped inspire even one person to make different choices – to think twice before buying any animals (living or dead) – that would be a truly wonderful legacy.
Patience, tenacity, compassion for all animals and the importance of living in the moment – these are some of the lessons we learned from our friend Georgia. Although she could not walk well towards the end of her life (instead she would ride in her cool green stroller), she enjoyed what she could from every moment, taking pleasure in the simple things: the smell of the ocean, the flight of a bird overhead, a smooth rock in the sand.
Her last morning with us was misty and calm. We took her out to a private section of beach that was covered in sea stones and pebbles. She was very weak, but perked up a little when she saw the water. We laid her down on her belly so she could choose a rock. She barked at it a few times, then held it tightly in her mouth. We carried it home with us to remember her by. Before we said goodbye, my husband sat rocking her in his arms while I played her song for her on the piano: ”Georgia On My Mind.”
Indeed, she always will be.
Thank you sweet little Georgia for sharing your life with us and helping us become better people. We have learned from you and loved you so much.
Jo, what a lovely tribue to your sweet Georgia.
I grieve with you for the loss of this gentle, sweet, funny, original spirit–our animal companions are never with us long enough.
But I also celebrate with you the beautiful, important lessons she taught you . . . leading you on a compassionate path that has allowed you to lead others. What gift Georgia has given . . .
Thinking of you — warm thoughts and love from all the Purple House critters.
Thank you so much Kathy. It really helps to know there are people out there who understand.
Dear Jo and John – what a lovely life you gave your pup. Her story made me cry. She was very fortunate to have such kind and compassionate parents who saw her for the unique being she was. Sending hugs your way. I know how very hard this is for you and for Lucy too!
Oh Carolyn I am so sorry about Georgia. We at Cavalier Rescue are so glad that she showed you the path to where we are today with this beautiful breed. My sympathies.
Goodness, I thought this tribute was from Carolyn. I do apologize. But my comments are the same for you Jo.
Oh no Jo… I am so sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing this morning. We never have enough time with the people we love most, especially when their little lives are so impossibly short.
Georgia most definitely was a gentle, old soul… even when she wasn’t actually old. Such a sweet girl (I loved the story of her sleeping it off in the closet!) — the world definitely needs more creatures like her around.
I know you’ve been dreading this day — my heart goes out to you. I’m thinking of Georgia and you and John and Lucy today and always —
Ann
Jo,
I’m so sorry. Shedding tears for you in NH as I know how deeply you and Jon loved her. Georgia was a sweetheart with big, brown eyes that would melt any heart, and you gave her a sweet life. You’re in my thoughts.
Oh Jo, this is so beautiful. My tears are flowing, as I am so very sorry for your loss…but also so deeply moved by your story…Georgia’s story. Rest in peace little darling. Your family will indeed never forget you, and neither will so many others! What an amazing gift your time on this earth has wrought…the love you knew so well has only grown to encompass countless others. Thankyou, little Buddha!
Angels and Sages come in many forms, frequently as non-human beings who exist in a state of grace to which our own species can only aspire. Each and every one of them, no matter their manifestation, would grant any of us profound lessons if we would but awaken to grant them their one precious life on this Earth. I’m so glad, Jo, that you recognized and learned from this lovely teacher, right there in your very own home.
Mission accomplished, Ms Georgia! Well done! Rest in peace knowing that love is an energy that never dies and will forever keep you and your students connected until your spirits merrily meet again.
What a beautifully moving tribute. My heart weeps for your loss I know you will find solace and peace in the joy that you brought into each other’s lives and the life lessons that Georgia has taught you. They become our souls and nothing is harder than saying good bye to those that we’ve loved so deeply. Georgia will be waiting for you patiently. I send my heartfelt sympathies.
You are much loved Jo… And that’s why this news of Georgia’s passing saddens us all. This kind of loss seems unbearable. But somehow we get through it and writing this tribute to her life is an excellent start!
Who knew this little 2 pound baby would enable your eyes and heart to see a whole world differently? … Better …More just. … And kinder. There’s no doubt she had a wonderful, full life – And that she left her legacy in the way of a remarkable advocate!
Thank you Georgia for your precious spark on this Earth. Your story urges of us – Demands of us- to extend inclusive respect and love for all. xox
My deepest sympathies, Jo and John, and Lucy. I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel and share your sadness. I loved your Georgia very much and feel extremely lucky to have known her. This is a beautiful tribute, Jo. Georgia will always be in our hearts. Sending you love, Cat
I cannot thank you all enough for your beautiful words of support and understanding. It has helped me more than you know…
So sorry for your great loss and thanks for sending the lovely tribute It made me cry & smile as well She picked the right parents!
i am so sorry to read about georgia’s passing. i had to stop and start reading your post four times so i could see through the tears. i don’t know how we get through the loss of our fur babies and i dread the day i have to deal with this kind of loss. what a lucky baby to have had you and your husband for parents. if only all animals could have such love. what an incredible legacy that georia has had with you becoming an animal champion because of her. thank you for all you do and may your heart feel lighter with each passing moment and memories of your sweet baby.
Oh, it’s so terribly painful to lose someone that you love so dearly. I know there’s nothing that can be said to ease your pain. I’m just so sorry, Jo. You are very much in my heart and thoughts.
Aw, I’m so sorry to hear the news. Thank you for sharing her story and photos — what a sweetie! — and please take good care of yourself during this difficult time.
Jo, what a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful animal and magical, love-filed relationship. Like you, I knew nothing about animal issues when we got our first animal – Mike the cat – and getting to know him and love him was instrumental in my going vegan and becoming an animal advocate.
Your tireless and passionate animal advocacy is in itself an ongoing memorial to Georgia and her beautiful spirit. And of course you have a lifetime of memories. But at the same time, I know you have a deep sense of loss and emptiness. I wish you peace and compassion, as you showed to Georgia and she showed to you. She and you are on my mind.
Gary
We will always miss our sweet little Georgia, but take comfort knowing that she at least had a life filled with love and affection. My heart breaks for the billions of animals who are needlessly killed every year without ever knowing even a single moment of kindness or compassion….
Thank all of you again, so much, for your caring and comforting comments. It has meant the world to me to have your support…