We lost a Real One, Today.
So before this turns into just another kick to the void of cyberspace, one caveat… I’ve only had one pet dog in my lifetime.
I’ve known some that have been owned by family, friends and siblings, but none truly mine.
I don’t know if I can really say Pancha was mine. She was so independent, so well mannered, it was actually a pleasure having her in our little nucleus.
Pancha Jimenez Rodriguez was born in Long Island, New York: July 20th,2007
She traveled. She had severe separation anxiety, barked incessantly whenever we would try to step out of the house.
She was an old soul from birth, didn’t really vibe with other dogs, she was a loner, a first & only child (for a while at least)
She lived in over 10 different locales, two time zones, crossed 32 States, was respected & and never feared.
She was her own person, she transcended the term dog, I still like to “think” she was mine.
I remembered at our lowest, the times of despair, she saved us. She forced us together, stopped a few break-ups, halted heated arguments, made us understand the importance of family.
She never really bothered us, she never bit our son, she protected Arlo, even when he would pile tons of blankets, pillows and toys atop her. She loved him, he truly loved her.
She was an amazing travel companion. She was so fierce, she never complained, she mostly just sighed and sounded like a deflating tire when she got bored. That’s when we knew we had to stop for gas, treats & to stretch our legs
She never liked to play fetch, it was more a demand to pick and toss objects, she loved her companion “Chop” and suckled 2 whole Companion cube plushies to death. She didn’t have too much time with her birth mother, and was with us from 6 weeks old, Her human mother is Diana Lorena Rodriguez
When I think of “Panchita” I recall being at my lowest, unemployed, down in the dumps mentally, she really didn’t say anything to me, but the demand, HER DEMAND, was enough to realign my life. She saved my life, for that I will never be able to pay her back. I tried to ease her suffering, as she wept, we wept. I saw for the first time tears in her eyes, she looked and said her goodbye.
We hold her close, she will return to us soon, and be at peace with Leandro, here close to us, in whatever home we make, for now, she is our first daughter, 13 years strong, beyond titles and beyond time.
You were my OG IG Avi, and will remain that way,
Click for #panchface, Experience her Beats, Rhymes & Life. Follow as we will be updating forever, because she deserved it, and so much more.
I’ve stated repeatedly that I will not replace nor search out a new companion in a dog or cat pet.
Pancha was beyond that, so I will keep my love & respect for her as such, there are some dogs, some pets that you may have, they are your family, they are your therapists, your guide and for some, just your connection to true peace.
There will never be another like her, maybe some similar, maybe others that are cuter, with fresher breath, not smelling of Dorito chip feet.
So as I sit here, in tears, a grown man of 38 years. I reflect with a whole heart, hurt, longing, afraid, unknowing if our paths will ever cross again. But I would like to say that, I know something in this place was pure, was there for me no matter what I had, or who I was.
She was Arlo & Leandro’s older sister, their protector and baby-sitter, that begged for food and treats every chance she had. She was ours, but never owned.
She was so much more. She has become so much more.
Take this time to reflect on your time with her, if you knew her, remember the way she made you feel, the way that she never faltered in being hella chill. She was the wavviest girl out there, the kinda girl that is the sleeper life of the party.
Rest beautifully, my princess. My Daughter, my sweet.
Watch over Leo, be his companion in the stars. You are one of the brightest Stars of our lives, always.
Catch you on the waves, soon enough.
PANCHA JIMENEZ RODRIGUEZ
July 20th, 2007 - January 25th 2021
