When I hear the word "pooch" I visualize something like this photo. But, apparently, Andie's friend, Jen Perkins, saw a little pooch in Andie. It became Jen's affectionate nickname as she dubbed Andie "her little pooch." Who knew?
At BYU, Andie lived one year with Jen & Sarah Perkins in the Chatham Towne Condos. Since the Perkins family lives just hours away in Fresno, Andie's been able to keep in touch with her friends, though intermittent. Sarah is married with kids and Jen never married.
In May, Jen was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine cancer that had already metastasized. She passed away last week and Andie and Brent attended Jen's funeral.
When Jen's brother, Robbie, spoke at the funeral he talked about fun times at BYU with his sisters. Robbie talked about Jen's plethora of friends but specifically mentioned her little friend who liked to follow Jen everywhere. Jen fondly called her friend "my little pooch." When Jen was sick last month but still lucid she and Robbie were reminiscing. At one point Jen told Robbie: "I really miss the pooch."
Andie and Jen had a cute friendship. Jen was actually over 7 years older and since Andie is an oldest child she probably enjoyed a relationship where she could be the kid sister (or the little pooch). And it sounds like Jen loved her little shadow/sidekick!
I'll never hear the word "pooch" again without thinking of Andie & Jen! Also, of how lucky we are in life to have friendships that bring us laughter, joy, and sadly, tears when that friend departs.
"Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart." -Washington Irving
