Mama was special and wild. I think she was part coyote. She had strange ways but she was very gentle.
For some reason Mama liked me and always sniffed me to make sure that I was okay. At first I thought it was kinda strange, but then I got used to it.
We all knew that Mama had been mistreated. She wouldn’t talk about it, but Shiloh whispered to me some of the awful things that Mama endured.
When Mama first came to Asherpark, she didn’t trust anyone. She hid in the back bedroom and would run away if anyone tried to pet her.
Slowly Mama began to trust me and mom. I didn’t realize what was happening at first until one day Mama allowed herself to be bathed.
Mama looked so pretty with her fluffy fur. She was a beautiful dog and very elegant.
A couple of times she invited me to play, but her wildness made her awkward and I didn’t know how to respond.
We spent lots of time curled up next to each other, hardly talking but taking comfort in our closeness.
I’ve seen a lot of sorry dogs pass through Asherpark but Mama was special. Mama never received the love she deserved until she arrived at Asherpark, yet she was filled with love and forgiveness.
Mom told me that Mama was a sacred spirit and had come to teach us an important lesson. I’m not sure what that lesson is, but I’m gonna think long and hard about it.
I feel so bad for Shiloh. She sure loved her mother and was always ready to protect Mama. Now Shiloh doesn’t have to worry about protecting anyone but herself. Maybe that’s a good thing.
We’re sad at Asherpark. We lost Mama and we know that Shiloh is sick with something that we can’t fix. We’re trying to enjoy each moment and not worry about the future, but that’s hard to do sometimes. Maybe Mama can show us the way. Maybe that’s what Mama came to teach us.
We love you Mama, wherever you are. If you have a lesson for us, we’re listening.