There was a flower within my heart

A co-worker gave her to me in 2008; nearly a year after I was raped. She was named Daisy, but I re-christened her DaisyBell after an old song from the late 19th century. Wherever I'd go, Daisybell was always in tow. She was my therapy dog. Through the worst time of my life, the rape, the harassment, the blackmail, and ultimately the injustice system. Daisybell helped me through my anguish and sadness. No matter how much emotional pain I was in, she always pulled me out of the darkness.

She went everywhere with me. Work, graduate school, hikes, trips...everywhere. Anyone who knows me knows Daisybell. If anyone lost me in a crowd they'd say, "just look for a woman with red hair and a white dog."

My battle with PTSD started with the rape in 2007, and I still suffer from it; though the severity has lessened over the years. Daisybell was always there to help me through my attacks. Now she is gone...forever.

 I will always miss her. RIP my sweet little Daisybell (2005-2019).