What a roller coaster this week has been.
You know, one of the things no one really tells you when preparing for adulthood is what it’s like to prepare for the loss of a pet from an adult perspective. Or even an empty-nest perspective.
My family has seen several animals cross the proverbial Rainbow Bridge over the course of my children’s childhoods, including my son’s beloved Rottweiler mix, given to him for his fifth birthday. They were the best of buddies for 10 1/2 years, and when the day finally came to call Dr. Green for one last visit, it was heart-wrenching for all of us. That was four years ago.
And now, I’ve got a pit bull terrier creeping toward the ancient age of 15. The epitome of the “nanny dog” trope, Cali absolutely helped me raise my kids into adulthood. They’ve moved out and moved on, and in their absence, she’s become my shadow and permanent cuddle buddy.
So when she suddenly couldn’t walk on Sunday evening and began acting strangely, refusing to eat, I feared the worst. We readied ourselves for what was sure to be the inevitable grief on Monday, another phone call to end a dog’s suffering. But she kept looking at me as if to say, “Not yet, momma, I’m still here.” She was in good spirits and I just held her tightly while trying my best to work ahead to make sure there would still be a paper, even if I was deep in the throes of grief.
That feeling, that fear of losing a constant, loyal companion, has me thinking about what else we rely on. What things are always there, until they aren’t? I find my mind wandering to the people and institutions in our community that we take for granted as having always existed, and assume they always will — until they don’t anymore.
I find myself thinking about this newspaper.
Every year, we celebrate National Newspaper Week in October. This year, we’ll recognize it from Oct. 5 through 11. The week was designated as a way to remind the public of the importance of newspapers and the roles they play in the communities they serve: a vehicle for transparency and accountability in local government, a chronicle beloved by historians and genealogy, a provider of context in complicated situations, a celebration of milestones and achievements made by the young and old and everyone in between.
National Newspaper Week is an opportunity for readers and newspapers to connect with one another.
We’re doing something different to celebrate this year. At the end of the week, on Oct. 11, we will run a special feature with a simple theme: "Here’s why I love my newspaper.” To that end, we’re collecting testimonials from readers and advertisers.
We’ve asked our readers to help shape this publication into something they want to see, and you all have stepped up to the plate in a big way. Now we have another ask of you: We want you to tell us, and everyone else reading these pages, what this newspaper means to you.
Seriously. We want to hear from you. When did an article in the Quill make you proud of your community? Did a picture of your kiddo at last week’s homecoming festivities end up on your fridge or in your scrapbook? Did an ad in these pages help you find the perfect local service? We want to fill a whole page with your hand-picked stories.
We’ll take testimonials through Oct. 10. Send us your thoughts, 150 words maximum, by email at news@westplainsdailyquill.net, or drop by and leave a note in person at the office, 205 Washington Ave. in West Plains.
Cali is a stubborn old girl. I’m not sure what happened, but she’s still up to hijinks, playing with her “brother” Brewster and starting fights with me when I’m trying to work. Last night, she ran into the other room when she saw my spouse head to the kitchen to make food. She’s demanding bean tacos and salmon with her dinner.
She’s bounced back with extra vim and vigor, and resumed her occasionally annoying, always endearing antics. I’m so relieved. For now. But I know that the day will eventually come when she doesn’t bounce back. For now, I’m focused on loving her and appreciating her while I still have her.
Cali’s comeback reminds me of a simple truth: The best time to show love and appreciation for something is now, not when it’s gone. Why wait? Let’s celebrate our community newspaper by telling our stories. We look forward to hearing yours.
