Laiza Was My Little Angel

The following was written by one of my dear students, Hellen. As you read her story, I’d love for you to take a moment to remember the friends (pets count too!) who helped you overcome your fears! — ❤️ Profe Gau.

It is difficult for me to talk about my feelings because I keep this part reserved only for myself. But sometimes, writing is good therapy.

Hellen needs a pet!

When I was little, I was very shy, and I didn’t like to play with other kids. One day, my psychologist said to my mom, “Maybe Hellen needs a pet!”

At that time, this was impossible, but after a few years, my stepfather came into our life. When I was close to my 11th birthday, he opened the door to our home and a little dog came in so quickly, sniffing everything. 

I had never been close to a dog. I didn’t know anything about them!

The first night, Laiza wanted to sleep with me, but my mom said that she was going to need a shower if she wanted to sleep in my bed!

Dogs have wet noses

My dad told me that dogs have wet noses and that this means they are healthy, so I made sure that Laiza always had a wet nose.

But one day, in the winter, her nose was dry, and I became desperate. That’s when my dad told me it was normal if she was at rest or calm.

And suddenly, I started socializing. But not too much. I can say that Laiza helped me lose my fear of people and of bullying. So, I stopped caring so much about everything, just like her.

Angels have a purpose

Laiza showed me what pure and unconditional love is like. She didn’t say “I love you” like a human. It wasn’t necessary. She was so happy when my mom, dad and I were with her. If we were together, all was good for Laiza.

She didn’t need a big house, name brand clothes, trips, or money to be happy. If we took her to the park, or if she could get into a water fountain, she was the happiest dog in the world! And when we returned home, she looked at you with her beautiful black eyes, shining with happiness.

I love to talk about Laiza! She was very important in my life. She awakened the most tender part of me, with her little body and her long ears. I love when she ran, because she ran sideways.

I liked coming back from my first year at university (called CBC at the UBA), and seeing Laiza and my mom waiting for me at the bus stop…

Or when she waited for my dad behind the door because she knew the exact time when he returned home.

Maybe it is normal in dogs, but for me, she was very special. When I was happy, sad, or needed to focus on my studies, I didn’t have to tell her, because she already knew.

That Laiza was spoiled!

I remember that when she went out into the Universe, I had to let go of one of the beings I loved most in this world. I didn’t want to. I know it a was a selfish feeling.

I was afraid she would feel alone, and I repeated this idea to myself so many times when she left. It hurt me a lot because she could never be away from us, so how would she do it now? But I calmed down, remembering that she was an angel.

Four years have passed since her departure, and she continues to be present at family talks. Everyone says, “Oh, that Laiza was a spoiled little brat! ¡ Bien creida ella !”.

I tell them, “No, she wasn’t spoiled! She was just special. And she knew she was pretty.”

¡Niña papita de mi corazón!

Laiza was the niña papita de mi corazón!

The last thing I whispered in her ear was, “I really love you so much, and you are going to live in my heart forever.”

I could write a lot more about my Laiza, and I would really love to see her again! She visits me in my dreams, and she is so pretty.

Laiza lived to be 16 years old. I wish she had been eternal, but they say that angels come to the world for a short time, and that they all have a purpose.

— Written with love by her human, Hellen.

Meet Hellen!

Hi! I’m Hellen. I’m from Argentina, and I’m in Portugal at the moment. I’m an archaeologist, but I work in IT Support. I’m an English student and I love discovering all the things I can do! I like to dance, sing, do gymnastics, meet with friends, and drink red wine.

I had the most beautiful dog in the world, niña papita, and I love to talk about her.

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