December 30, 1999 — February 14, 2016

As soon as I saw this adorable little girl with these big dark eyes and floppy ears my heart stopped and I knew it was love at first sight. She was all of 3 pounds that I could hold in the palm of my hand. No matter if I tried there was NO way I’d leave without her.
She was feisty and had such a love for life I learned. Those puppy days, I’d take them back in a heartbeat. Megara loved to be with people, even if they were just in the house she was happy. An extremely friendly girl she was always though not always expected of a cocker spaniel. There was not 1 bone in her body not made of love. I could see the disappointment on her face when someone would walk by without acknowledging her somehow. She would adore it when someone would stop and pet her.
Her and I bonded like a Mom and daughter. She was there for some of the most challenging times in my life and always with a lick of my tears and a snuggle to let me know she was with me. She would sleep pushed up against by stomach under the covers and we were both very content and safe.
She had her favorite boyfriend Bailey the Beagle just across the courtyard and his humans were so good to Megara. They often came over and got her while I was at work so she was not alone. She would be sad sometimes to come home where it was more quiet but then we would play or go on a walk and she was happy.
Megara taught me all about patience and unconditional love. Lessons that are vital and I have found most important over her 16 years. She left those gifts with me which I do my very best to carry with me each and every day.
She taught me to slow down and look at the stars in the sky as I walked her around to do her business. I may have otherwise missed those beautiful sunrises, sunsets or breathtaking evenings. Those are years of gifts that are priceless and I hold them so dearly.
We were each other’s companions for many years until she gave me the approval of my now husband and the man that became her Dad. An animal lover he was not but that lasted only moments as Megara knew exactly what to do to change that. She curled up next to him, looked at him with those loving eyes, laid her little chin on his leg and fell asleep. She would take him for walks around the neighborhood and show him about relaxing too. He came up with many loving nicknames for her and she loved when he would spoil her with all of his affection.
She enjoyed opening her own presents through the year (especially Christmas) and then opening ours too. Megara made us laugh by always chiming in at the most appropriate moment assuring us she understood every word we were saying! She loved going to the mailbox 6 days a week where our mail carrier left bones for her and we loved seeing her so excited.
Megara got me up from my desk when the work hours flew by so that I could get that well needed break and enjoy the beauty of nature. She was quite a lady and never liked getting her paws wet in the rain but she liked the new fallen snow.
We miss our baby girl every day and have not been able to put away her belongings but we know she is watching us and will be there when it is our time. I know she was a gift from God. She gave me purpose in life when it seemed everything was falling down around me. My job was to take care of her when now I know she was really taking care of me during those times.
Megara loved each and every day and even when she was going to the vet, receiving treatments and not feeling 100%. We could not believe her lymphoma was raging (except for the growing bumps) so many times as she showed nothing but courage.
We leave this quote for all those left behind after their loved ones have departed:
“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to.” – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross & John Kessler
With all of our love to you Megara ~
Mom and Dad