Abeni Dada Eloise Roadruck

January 14, 2008 - May 4, 2024

16 years isn't long enough.

My baby girl is at rest.

Abeni gave us her whole life and brought so many laughs, cuddles and snuggles. She was just an itty-bitty ball of fluffy fur when I saw her picture on Petfinder, her name from the breeder was Camille and she reminded me so much of my childhood dog Rachel. Camille, the soft little fluff ball stole my heart and quickly became an intricate part of our family. Camille was renamed Abeni because her name means "we asked for her and we got her" in Swahili. Dada, Abeni's middle name means "curly hair" in Swahili. Lamar picked out names for our new girl that fit her perfectly. "Eloise" came with time and something that mom tagged on with many other nicknames over the years. Abeni knew them all. "Ab"; "Aboliciois"; "Baby girl"; Doll Baby"; "Baby dog"; "Pumpkin Pie"; "Eloise"; "Abeni Eloise" "my babaize" Abeni knew that "she is as sweet as sugar pie" as she was told often. Abeni would always come running in her younger days when mom asked, "where's my dog?". Abeni would rouse from her nap when mom would ask "where's my baby dog?" when she began to slow down. Abeni was always happy to see her human family and loved them dearly, just as they loved her.

Abeni was the bravest, strongest, most resilient, and stubborn girl. Abeni loved her people fiercely and shared her opinion when she wasn't happy with her human's choices. Abeni had things to say when we would leave home and return especially if I didn't come back with steak for her.

Abeni would tag along with the countless trips of bringing groceries in the house. Abeni would then inspect the bags of groceries to see what goodness she would partake in. Abeni was a big fan of Culver's, Arby's, and bacon. Abeni liked all the smells when mom and dad would cook. She was usually in the kitchen or close by taking it all in.

Abeni loved her human siblings and although initially unsure about her niece, Abeni became best friends with Rozlyn. Abeni was the "baby girl" and she was a bit jealous when she had to share that title with Rozlyn. Abeni would sit with her baby girl and watch cartoons every chance she had.

Abeni was fluent in saying "meatball", learning to "silent bark" when dad worked nights. Abeni mastered the "army crawl" and "roll over" in her younger days. Abeni loved to lay in the sun beam from a pup laying on the back of the couch until the last hours where she was able to feel the sun on her back. Abeni liked to open presents and played with her favorite toys, although she slowed down in lateryears, she would still "fluff" her gigantic stuffed dogs and lay on them. Abeni used to "fluff" mom's hair when we played on the floor together. Abeni would rub her face on the carpet to initiate play and that would sometimes turn into Abeni rolling on her back the wiggling around to show "she is cute", I swear Abeni smiled when she did this, I know I did!

Abeni disliked car rides, the beach, wearing clothes- especially costumes and all the medicines. Abeni also disliked that mom and dad wouldn't let her have a little slurp of mom's coffee as she crossed the table between the couch and the chair to sit with dad. Abeni made an exception to the dislike of car rides when we would "drive" Eian to the bus stop. Abeni would start those days being zipped up in my jacket and "going bye-bye". Abeni made sure to see Eian off on those school days. Abeni loved to "eat" Lamar's face, with fervent kisses. Abeni played the "gnarrawr" game with Will and continued to do so a few days ago.

Abeni most recently enjoyed working with mom at home. Every morning Abeni was more than ready to head back to the office, even on mom's days off. Abeni was the best co-worker, companion, and family member. Abeni spent evenings cuddling by dad's side in the chair and competing with him on who could snore the loudest.

Abeni loved her big bed and the best bedtime cuddler. Abeni made sure to get her night-night cuddles, ear scratches and kisses before deciding which parent she wanted to lay next to that night. Sometimes Abeni put mom on the edge of the bed so she could completely sprawl out. If Abeni went to bed before mom, it was a challenge for mom to get some bed space. Abeni was so tiny in size but massive with her prominence.

Abeni has been such a huge part of our every day and there  is a huge hole that will never be replaced. Abeni is still loved beyond measure and always will be. 16 years is not long enough but we had a great 16 years. ❤️