Just stumbled across some good Simi pics from a while back! 💕 I looooove these photos of us! We took her to the Yuba River, but it was too hot for hiking, so we had a quick picnic in the shade under the bridge.
My dog was the best and I miss her. Simi passed away in July, and I’ve struggled to write this post since then. Partly because it feels too final, like it’s the last thing I can ever do for her, and I’m not ready to give that up and say goodbye. Partly because I feel the need to pay her the perfect tribute for how big of an impact she had on my life. I’ve since realized it would take a lifetime to describe my love for this sweet, strange, pure, and gentle soul — and how lucky I was to be her caretaker for nearly 16 years.
So here’s my inherently insufficient digital memorial to you, Simi girl. I got to watch you grow from a rambunctious, rat-gnawing pup at the warehouse, to a dependable adolescent adventure buddy, to the solemn, wise old lady I’ve known these past few years. We accompanied each other through many life transitions, from meeting Zai, to getting married, and moving in to our first home. I wish you could be here to meet our first child. I’m sure you would have tolerated them.
Your community was large, and your goofy grin and senior ear-furs warmed countless hearts. You weren’t a “dog” dog — you were judicious with your affection — but when you admitted our friends into your pack, you let them know it. Thank you for your pure, unconditional love, your sweet paw-ing for belly rubs, your wags without eye contact, your occaisional snuggles, and for *somehow* staying alive as long as you did.
I’m thankful to your original Warehouse family, who were patient and took care of us both, even when I probably didn’t deserve it. I am blessed that all of our paths crossed, and that the Grippin family, who found you as a flea-ridden puppy in a field in Modesto, brought you to me.
And at least now I get to post 20 photos of you.
Miss and love you always.
Phil
We said goodbye to Simi last week. She was the love of our lives.
Simi was a special creature. She was cat-like and aloof around new people, but joyful and feisty with her inner circle. She was gentle and calm with toddlers, but a menace to rodents.
Phil adopted this sweetie pie street dog when he was 22, and she was eight or nine months old. When he and I started dating a few years later, it was clear that the two of them were a package deal. Early in our relationship, I vowed to Phil that I’d love her and care for her as if she were my own — a promise that proved easy to keep once she had wormed her way into my heart.
Simi nearly made it to 16, much to our surprise, and her life was full of joy. She swam in lakes and pools, chased critters, and went on countless road trips and nature adventures with us. She accompanied one of us to work almost every single day for the last decade. This rascal played with her favorite treat ball for literally thousands of hours, and demanded to be pet in exactly the manner she preferred. When I was laid up in bed following a bad injury, Simi was my fierce protector — she didn’t leave my side for months, and had to be bribed with treats just to leave for walks. She was prioritized in nearly every decision Phil and I have made in our 11 years together.
Simi lived a gloriously full life, and had a peaceful, dignified death. Her last day was filled with sunshine and tenderness, one last outing to Fort Funston, an entire steak, and a sweet goodbye at home in our arms, with a warm breeze blowing through the house.
I know all of this, and am comforted by it… and yet the grief is almost unbearable. I can’t believe that I have to live every day of the rest of my life without her by my side. I’m so grateful to at least be going through this with Phil.
I’ll probably continue sharing photos and videos of her on the @simipalooza account. It brings me joy to relive chapters of Simi’s life. I welcome any memories or observations you feel like sharing. Thank you for loving her and delighting in her, either in person or from afar.
I love you, sweet Simi girl.
-
(Photo credit for images 1 and 2: @kindredweddings )
Simi has been carrying around this emotional-support rawhide like a little cigar for the last few days. 😊 She even sleeps with it in her mouth, and sometimes has trouble drinking water because she doesn’t want to put it down first.
She’s been dealing with some new pain and mobility issues recently, so we’re also trying to make her as comfy as we can.
Simi has slowed down a lot in the last few months, so most of our “walks” consist of us driving her to a park, plopping her in the grass, and letting her sniff around until she’s bored. But a few days ago, she was on fire!! Just so energetic and playful at the park! It’s a very exciting day when Simi wants to run around like this.
Shoutout to our vet @schoettlebug and all of the arthritis and pain meds that are keeping Simi comfortable and somewhat mobile at age 15! (Adequan, Librela, and Amantadine lol)
Simi at the beach today! She might not be able to chase sandpipers or scamper up hills the way she used to when she was younger, but Fort Mason is still one of her favorite places, so we keep taking her here. It’s even more fun when @enstahab comes along — and offers to do the heavy lifting!! 💪🏽🥲🐕💕
Had to save this adorable story from our amazing vet @schoettlebug ! 🥲 Simi’s had a rough week, but it appears she’ll live to see another day. Really grateful to @philreyneri and her whole vet team for taking good care of her while I’ve been out of town. I swear to god, this dog has nine lives. (And Dr. Bechtel made sure she survived at least the last four of them!)
I was going to post a compilation video of all of the silly things Simi does in her sleep, but this was was just too absurd. It deserved its own video. Please enjoy this minute and a half of Simi galloping in her sleep.
