~ Kim
Before the grand ole Marapocalypse (thank you for this term, mara-staff it amuses me) this little dream come true came into my life, with a billion thanks to our amazing mara-staff, who spent countless hours account stalking, and trying to figure out which pet names were/were not safe to grant to other players.
I had a beautiful memorial write up placed here on my profile, in memory of my little White Werewolf, my Wigglepoof, my handsome, perfect little poofball of love, Riley.... who passed away not long before I aquired the name for myself. I owned Riley for 18+ years. I can still remember the good days with him, outside, tossing a ball, watching him almost hop across the yard to chase after it. I remember the bad days, like when I was told he had a cancerous lump that would need to be removed..... and I remember the worst day. The day my little man passed away, and my heart broke into more pieces I ever realized were possible.
A lot of people don't understand the connection pets have to their owner's hearts, especially those who have never known, or loved an animal as a family member/friend, but anyone who knows me on personal levels know that the day Riley passed away, a good part of me died as well. So many mornings, the thing that would brighten my mood, brighten my spirits and get me out of bed, would be those adorable, dark brown eyes, looking back at me, and that adorable little smile he'd offer me, as he'd wag his tail so happily to see that I was awake. He kept me strong, through the loss of my Big Brother, Christopher. He kept me together, through the loss of my Mother. He kept me going while I was being bullied, tormented and mistreated by people around me. He even kept me glued together when I found out my fiance was cheating on me, and our six years together were nothing but a sham. Riley was my furry guardian angel. That pet that saved me, when I needed saving the most. Granted, it's a big job, being someone's guardian angel, being that bandaid that fixes things when times are rough, but I'm telling you, a smile from that little man.... it made things a million times better. When I'd be so close to just giving up hope, there he was, hopping onto the sofa next to me, curling up beside me, and resting his head on my lap, looking up at me with those beautiful eyes, telling me in silences that I'd be okay.
Nothing has really been the same since he passed away. For the first time, in 18 years, any bad times that come my way, I don't have him to hug... I don't have him to go outside with and play fetch with for a distraction... and I no longer get that adorable tail wag or smile that always melted my heart and soothed my soul. I miss him like crazy.... I miss him more than I ever realized I could miss an animal. I'll never be able to thank the staff here on marapets, for allowing me the opportunity to welcome the name Riley into my world. To have him here, at least in pixel form, offers me this odd little peace. It's not quite the same as the real little man. Not in the slightest. But I do have to say, looking upon this little one... it helps. It really does.
Riley will NEVER be leaving this account, as far as I am concerned he's right where he belongs/needs to be. Always.
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