Pawprints on Our Hearts: A Tribute To Flora

There are dogs, and then there are DOGS. You know, that special one that comes into your life and changes it forever? Well, my visits to the blog Leaves of Grass during the past year have shown me that Flora was the latter sort of dog, holding a very special place in the heart of blogger Sonia A. Mascaro. I have been touched by their bond - it reminds me so of the connection I had with my German Shepherd Jessie. Dogs like Jessie and Flora bring such love into our lives, love that endures the passage of time. And while other dogs may come into our lives, and we love them all very much, there remains that special one that lives on in our hearts forever. I recently asked Sonia if she would share Flora with us, in words and pictures. Today's post is a result of that request - a tribute to Flora.

On September 3, 1997 a tiny black and white puppy was born to a stray mother dog on the campus of a University in São Paulo, Brazil. This little pup faced homelessness and an uncertain future, but lucky for baby Flora, Sonia's daughter Sofia found and rescued her, welcoming her into a family that would cherish her every day of her life.

Sonia tells us that Flora loved to play with a ball, run at the beach and take strolls with the family around their neighborhood. She never enjoyed swimming in a pool, but loved to swim and play in a dam near their house. Flora loved to go for walks, and when she suspected it was time for a walk and spotted the leash, she would get very excited and do a "happy dance". Sonia says she would literally jump in the air and spin in circles: "she was always ready to go! Flora was very smart and active even as an old lady."

Another favorite activity that Sonia and Flora enjoyed was napping together on the couch. When night came, Flora had her own bed and blanket, but she always preferred the people bed. She had a sweet tooth, but also loved getting a piece of bread, meat, and many kinds of fruits and vegetables.

Sonia shares that there were a few things that Flora did not like. She didn't care for strange dogs or people, and she hated cameras! 


Sonia says whenever she would point the camera in her direction, Flora would turn, stare the other way, or leave the room (my goodness, that sounds just like Katie!).

Sonia says - "Unfortunately, I write about my beloved Flora from a bygone time, as my dearest and adorable friend died at almost 14 years of age on July 12, 2011. But it was fortunate that for so many years Flora enjoyed good health and a happy life, much loved by me, my husband, my daughter Sofia and my son Fernando. My dearest, lovely and adorable friend Flora will be always in our hearts and in our memories. We loved her so much and we miss her deeply every single day."

I told Sonia that Flora must be out there somewhere smiling and wagging her tail, to know how much she is still loved, and that these wonderful memories live on today. Who knows, maybe Jessie is with her, both of them out there somewhere, waiting for us to rejoin them some day. What a happy thought! :)


(Thank you to Sonia A. Mascaro from Leaves of Grass for the photos and stories of Flora.)