Goodbye Dilla: Until We Meet Again

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains." Unknown

Dear Dilla,

You came into my world at a time I felt so alone and a little lost. But there you were cheering me up with your awesome Boston & Frenchie energy and like me, you were never really mushy, but cuddling up and chilling became our thing!

You always stayed with me. Wherever I went, you went my little man. Work, vacation, late night strolls or early morning jogs along the East River, flying to San Francisco, Boston, Puerto Rico, Colorado, Austin, San Diego, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, DC, New York, Los Angeles, you were right beside me.

You played hard and your spirit was so sweet. I will never forget how you helped pups overcome their shyness, breaking them out of their shell. Louie, Pippa, Poncho and even your sis Willow.

Remember how anxious Willow was when she came to live with us? She would shake uncontrollably and you would just run up to her with the ball in your mouth, goading her to play with you. You never gave up on her! Papa and I just stood back, watching how little by little, you were able to get Will Will to open up. We were so proud of you in that moment. And let’s not forget how you won over Papa Isern y Niabel and your Mimi RYCJ too. It was so easy to fall in love with you.

And oh boy were you one SNAZZY dresser! I know it wasn't your thing in the beginning, but after a few East Coast winters, you quickly understood the benefits of puffer coats, hoodies and booties for those salty NY streets. Oh and remember your post Rebel Without a Sweater, spilling the tea on how you started to love dressing up. Always makes me laugh. No doubt you were spoiled with all the photoshoots, costumes and outfits. What in the world am I going to do with your closet full of clothes? Papa thinks we should donate them to less fortunate pups and he's right. But, just between you and me, I might hold on to your Laker's jersey and hoodies. I just need to have something that reminds me of you and pictures aren't always enough.

I can’t stop laughing at the memory of people referring to you as a she or a girl because of your name Dilla (somehow overlooking your giant testicles 😂 ). I guess they weren’t familiar with your namesake, music producer J Dilla who, unfortunately, grew to be very sick (just like you) and died way too soon. The vet visits, specialists, surgeries, treatments and endless medication you received the last six years of your life was a lot, but somehow you kept fighting and we were right there with you, managing your care.

I knew when the day would come to say goodbye, it would be one of the hardest things I ever had to do because of our bond. You see you saved me, not the other way around. Teaching me how to be in the moment and enjoy every day.

I hope you’re hanging out with so many of your friends we lost along the way. Kiss Henny & Jax for me and say hi to Campbell, Daisy, Kira, Blue, Indy, Vinny and Ox 🥰. Hope ya’ll are making some noise and running around like there is no tomorrow.

Willow misses you. I mean don’t get me wrong, she doesn’t hesitate to eat those treats you used to get from the neighbors on our morning walks, but she curls up in your spot every night so I know she thinks of you. Wasn’t she the best sis, always licking you when you were feeling your absolute worst and waiting to cuddle after every surgery?

Dilla, your papa and I are heartbroken. We loved you with everything we had and knowing you was the greatest gift that we’ll cherish forever. Try not to forget us wherever you are now oh and check in on us from time to time.

Love,

Mama, Papa and Will Will

P.S.

Dilla, so many of your amazing friends and family took the time to write us beautiful notes and shared sweet mementos to help us say goodbye to you.

I’m going to carry you with me, keep you close to my heart, reflecting on all the happiness you brought to our lives!