Georgia on My Mind.  Midnight Train to Georgia.  The Night the Light Went Out in Georgia.    ”I left my home in Georgia, heading for the frisco bay…”

So, I named her Georgia.  I was 19, and too irresponsible for a cell phone–yet I got Georgia.  ”I want the spunky one,” I said as I surveyed the litter of 9 puppies. And boy, was she spunky.  And beautiful.  And noble.  And kind.

After a year long battle with pancreatic cancer, my Georgia passed yesterday in Dallas.  My brother is taking care of her, as he has been since I left for Singapore in February 2011.      I’m very thankful for the care she received with Rob, Mary Lou, Tommy and Pat.

As for me, I am full of emotions.  I could have been a better dog-mom, and I feel shame for my irresponsibility at times.  We grew up together, me and Georgia.  She saw the best and the worst of me, but she loved me anyway.  I’ve missed her terribly.  She was my best friend.  I’ll never forget her special whistle, it goes: “Georgia oh Georgia,” and it’s only 5 notes.  She came every time she heard it.  It was our code.  I’ll have to retire her special song: “Hey there, Georgia Girl, there’s another Georgia girl inside.” I also liked to sing to the tune of “Rubber Ducky” variations of my love for Georgia.

I don’t know. I don’t know what to say when a dear dog friend passes away.  I wonder why I opened myself up to this pain, knowing Georgia would never outlive me.  But then who would have snuggled me during my lonely 20-somethings?  Who would have danced with me when I got promoted?  Who would have licked the tears off my face when my mom died?  Georgia was my girl.  My sweet baby girl

And right now, as I sit in the Thai restaurant over looking Sharks Bay in Koh Tao, Thailand, Josh Groban sings “You Raise Me Up.”

“When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me”

Rest in Peace.

Georgia Girl