Aroha

She was the smallest of her brothers and sisters, born the most delicate.

We offered to help our neighbour with these little bundles of energy, nine to be exact! I have always been a cat lady but these little beings deeply entered our hearts and snuggled in there not wanting to leave! Soon they were so very welcome there, becoming ‘our babies’.

She had a small white heart on her forehead, we named her Aroha meaning Love in Maori and she was our favourite. So full of life, so many licks to be shared!

Her brothers who were growing fast bit her, trampled on her, got to the food before her, but she kept shining. But we were concerned for her, wandering if she would make it, would she be left behind? Who would want the runt of the litter?

And as we watched them grow we saw her learn to stand her ground, fight back when necessary.

And in the garden, during 'puppy run’ she would visit all her siblings one by one, bringing whatever face of love was needed for that connection. She became strong and courageous, She loved cuddles, but couldn’t stay in our arms for long, a dynamo, a bundle of energy, always on the go, bringing life so fully through her tiny body. At food time she would run off growling in to the bushes with her chicken neck, which she guarded so well. They were not stealing from her, was her message!

We watched her transform in to a small warrior-ess and my concern grew less and less, seeing how strong she was inside, so determined to survive in this world.

Soon she was everyone’s favourite. The day came when the first puppy left the litter and yes, it was Aroha who was the first out of the nine to leave! We were shocked, she had become the way-seer, forging the path forward for her brothers and sisters fearlessly opening up the way for new homes for them all.

We missed her, her vibrant life force had so fully filled the space, a vast being in such a tiny body! But we knew she would bring much love to those who had swept her up and whisked her away for their family!

So much love could not be contained, she was for everybody, not just for us!

Farewell Aroha, have a beautiful life!