A Tribute to Olive; The Sweetness and Goodness of Having a Pet at Home

The first line to Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem My Shadow, begins with this line , “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,” and I have often commented that my little shadow over the past 11 years was Olive. Olive was more than a dog—she was my shadow, my companion, and the soft, steady heartbeat that followed me through every room, every season, and every chapter of life. Wherever I went, she was just a step behind, content to simply be near. She didn't need words or gestures—just presence. Always willing to give and receive a little love.

Her eyes were the gentle kind—that asked for nothing and gave everything.There was something about the way she looked at you that made you feel like she was talking to you, as if to say , “I am here and I am listening.” She met the world always ready to make a new friend—tail wagging and a prance in her step.

Olive was part of our family’s foundation. She helped raise my children—not just as a guardian, but as a quiet teacher of patience, gentleness, and unconditional love. She was there for every scraped knee, every ride in the car for drop off and pick up ,every quiet moment, all the bedtime stories, every laugh-filled chaos of my children’s growing up years. Her presence wove itself into the rhythm of our home, a steady comfort to us all.

Now the house feels different. Quieter. Emptier. Her absence is everywhere—in the silent corners, in the missing click of paws on the floor, in the space beside me where she used to rest her head.

We will miss her in a million small ways. But we’ll also carry her with us—in our stories, in our memories, and in the deep, unshakable love she gave us every single day.

We buried her between the holly trees and boxwoods, and marked her grave with “little pixie”, a tiny white flowering plant with deep pink centers. We wanted to have a place to visit her and be reminded of her being the best dog ever.

We are grateful for the gift she was , a family dog that was oh-so-sweet.

 She was a dear furry friend.She was my shadow. We will miss her more than words can hold.

There’s a special kind of warmth that comes with having a pet in the house—an ever-present heartbeat that reminds you that you're never truly alone. Whether it’s a dog wagging its tail 

   when you walk in the door, a cat curling up beside you while you read, or even a bird chirping softly in the morning, pets bring a sweetness to daily life that’s hard to put into words.

One of the quiet gifts a pet offers is purpose. Knowing that a little creature depends on you—for food, care, attention, and love—adds rhythm and meaning to everyday routines. Morning

   walks turn into peaceful rituals. Mealtime isn’t just for you anymore. Their needs, though simple, pull you gently into a pattern of care, reminding you that you're essential to someone else's world.

Pets also help us tune into the small joys of life. They remind us to be present. The silly way a dog chases its tail or the way a cat purrs in pure contentment—these moments are little 

   treasures scattered through the day. They create a rhythm of happiness that doesn’t rely on big achievements or perfect days. Instead, it’s about a shared glance, a warm cuddle, or a 

quiet companion curled up by your side.

   In a world that moves fast and often feels overwhelming, pets ground us. They bring laughter, comfort, and a sense of home. And in doing so, they make life not just sweeter—but fuller.

I can't imagine life without pets.