Well, Harmony’s Angelversary is quickly approaching, but my attention has been on Mel (Melody) lately and the changes she’s gone through since Harmony’s departure.

When we first acquired Mel (dumped out in the country) we couldn’t help but love her. She was very young, spastic and hadn’t grown into her ears yet. Harmony was an 3 year old “only child” and we didn’t know how she would adjust, but our fears were squashed as they immediately began to bond. It was as if Harmony found her missing puzzle piece, hence the name Melody. And for Mel, well Harmony brought peace to her anxiousness. She was much more balanced as long as Harmony was around.

They were so happy together and never was there an ill-grrrr between the two of them.

As the next 4 years came-and-went, they continued to play until Harmony got sick.

For nearly a month, Harmony got all of our attention out of necessity. Poor Mel sat on the sidelines while she not only lost her playmate, but our temporary companionship as well.

She patiently watched and waited.

When the day came, November 1st, Mel very gently sniffed Harmony’s face and walked on. In that moment as my heart was breaking, I wondered how Mel felt knowing that her best bud was gone. I wondered about her mental and emotional pain, or the lack thereof. I wondered about her coping mechanism all the while wishing at that very moment I could be more dog.

Yes, she is blessed to be without human baggage, but I still couldn’t help but be sad for her loss. I anticipated her possible personality changes and became more attentive than ever.

We mourned Harmony, but we also mourned for Melly.

Then we decided Mel needed a new playmate and found Meesha at a local rescue. We assumed they would be best friends, but they never meshed. Meesha treats Mel more like a pet than a playmate. She will lick Mel’s face and ears, but that’s all.

When Double-stuff (aka Kingston) joined the pack, he and Meesha bonded like Harmony and Melody had in the past. It’s a happy thing, but also sad knowing that Mel is still left-out.

Sure, we love on her but as every day passes, the more aloof she becomes or maybe I just notice it a more. When we bring all three fur-babies in from outside, we nearly always have to go look for Mel. Typically she’ll be by herself looking as if she’s waiting on Harmony.

It’s hard to compensate for her absence, but we try.

As we celebrate Harmony’s Angelversary, my heart sings on behalf of our Melody and the joy she brings us every day.