A Tribute to Zana

This is from a speech I originally made to the Metro Palm Bay Toastmasters on October 8, 2010:

Zana was our 12 year-old Shih Tzu, who died this morning. Her liver was failing, she had difficulties swallowing, and she couldn’t eat or drink. All she could do was look at you with her big brown eyes. It was sad, but I knew it was time. We got her from a son who was going into the service. Actually, if the truth be known, I didn’t want such a damn sissy dog. Didn’t fit my tough guy image. I knew a few months later, though, that she had gotten to me. I came home a little late for her walk. I took her out right away, because she was complaining and yelping at me. We ended up down around the corner at a vacant lot. Suddenly I noticed that strangers were driving by, honking at me and laughing and giving me thumbs-up signs. Here I am with this little goofy dog with a pink leash and a red collar, and I had forgotten I was still wearing my correctional officer uniform. We made quite the sight, let me tell you! She pulled many pranks over the years, but thoroughly endeared herself to one old “tough guy.” I will miss her a lot. Blessings to all who have experienced sadness or a personal loss this year.