In Loving Memory of Wrigley
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Wrigley became a time traveler today. She fought the aggressive mast cell tumors for almost 15 months, surviving and thriving after three surgeries. Those who know Wrigley know how much we love her and what a pure delight she was in our family of four dogs and two moms.
Her origin story with us: November 28, 2016, she was not the SAAP dog we went to meet. This three-year-old, chunky Brussels Griffon, waddled directly to us, flipped on her back, and offered her belly to us to rub. Everyone watched as this gal was 20+lbs overweight and moving was not her jam. Instant mutual love. She was coming home with us. She would shed “Sandy”, along with 20+ lbs…and become Wrigley. -the year the Chicago Cubs were in the World Series.
Wrigley Kamlager. Wrigs. Rigatoni. Wriggy. Wrigby. Wrigzey. Lady baby nugget girl. Wrigo. Lady. She became one of the great loves of our life. She believed that the 3 of us (Kelly, Carolee, and Wrigley) had 3 dogs and that she came from royalty. She expected the best things in life. Sweaters, coats, bow ties, pajamas, stuffed animal dog toys, and string cheese…, she wanted it all. She wanted Christmas trips to the beach, spa days with regularity, Chewy boxes monthly, the best food and medicine. She watched the Thanksgiving Dog Show (her breed won in 2023) with no interruptions.
She was the ultimate Brussel Griffon personality, hilarious, stubborn, incredibly smart, opinionated, loyal and our constant shadow. She loved getting on the sofa and knocking off every pillow before settling down. She, along with her sissy, Keeton, jumped and barked at every human who entered our yard or home, the queen of the block watch-without a mean bone in her body. Her enthusiasm was infectious, she loved, loved life. Our neighbor’s grandchild named her “Engergizer”, this while she was in the throes of cancer.
Some of us are lucky enough to find our spirit animal. Wrigley was Kelly’s. If you know Wrigley and Kelly you understand- love, energy, humor, loyalty, and more love.
She was one of a kind, with a wet, dripping beard from drinking and a hoarse voice from barking (or smoking cigarettes and eating chocolate in the backyard?).
We picture her now on the rainbow bridge catching up with her canine siblings: Findlay, Brinkley, Huntley, Jasper, Maylin, and her feline siblings: Lucy, Josie, and Peewee.
Wrigley leaves behind her 2 moms and her sisters: Keeton, her dedicated companion and the love of her dog life, Lucy and Coco. She said goodbye to her life size stuffed Bernese mountain dog, Bernice, whom she loved with all of her being. She had a dedicated fan club of humans.
Special thanks to Dr. Janet Clem for giving us 15 additional months with our lady baby nugget girl and to Olivia Grove; Wrigley loved her warmth and attention.
Wrigley was a SAAP dog and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to adopt her.
Wrigley we will miss you more than any words could capture or describe; you made us better people.
