Since Shelby died I have become aware of a number of things. The first, was realizing how much of my happiness and sense of self-worth was tied into that poor little dog. That was a lot of weight to put on her tiny shoulders. Yet, she did it with that doggy-smile of hers.
The other is just how much noise she made. I never even realized it. But I miss the sound of her claws clicking on the floor. I miss hearing her breathing as she slept next to me. I miss hearing her sneeze and sigh. I miss the sound of her licking things. I miss her running around and shaking her head.
My place seems too quiet now. I turn the TV up loud. I bring a radio into the kitchen and listen to talk radio programs at ear-splitting levels. The world is quieter than you realize.