We adopted Nala from the Denver Humane Society on February 19, 2015, when she
was three years old.
Our earlier dog had passed away, and we were not interested in another pet. I,
however, got an unexplained urge one day to scroll through pictures posted on local
animal shelter websites. I viewed hundreds of dogs over a few days until I saw a
picture of a small white dog. We knew from the picture that she was our dog. A couple
of days later we took Nala home. Without a doubt, it was meant to be. We relocated to
Fort Collins six months later and over the next 11 years we were seldom apart.
Nala was the first pet that we had in retirement. Together we visited 17 states, including
countless trips to the Midwest to visit family. At home she followed us everywhere
around the house. It was impossible to go to the bathroom without seeing her nose
poking under the door. Nala “allowed” us to leave the house once a day, but if we left
again, she would show her displeasure by heading to the guest bathroom to string toilet
paper into the hallway.
Nala loved people. She loved to walk, ride in automobiles, and go camping. We had a
saying, “Mornings are for Mama” when in bed she would crawl onto my wife’s head and
fall asleep. When meeting other dogs Nala usually ignored the animals and headed
straight for the people. She used to sit on our laps and stare deeply into our eyes. It
was though she was looking through us. Someone once asked me if Nala experienced
separation anxiety; I said I don’t know, but I certainly do.
Nala passed away at home on February 12, 2026, in our arms. We are so appreciative
of wonderful staff at Home to Heaven, especially Dr. Kelly who lovingly eased Nala into
her next life. We loved Nala deeply, and our house is now empty. There isn’t a spot in
our two-bedroom townhouse that doesn’t hold a memory of our pretty girl. We have,
however, chosen to focus on our love for her instead of the pain of the loss. We know
we’ll see her again (if she can find the time to stop chasing squirrels and rabbits).
Steve and Mary Thompson
