Melanie’s post:

Today would have been Garibaldi (Gari) Rous’ eighth birthday. It’s a day to take some time to remember him. For those of you who weren’t following the blog then, I hope you will look back to the posts between Jan. 2011 through Feb. 2014, the short time that Gari lived with me.

This is a photo of little Gari on the day we met. It was Jan. 23rd, 2011. Gari was almost 11 months old. I rehomed him from a family who could no longer care for him. It was a good match for both of us. I was still reeling from the loss of Caplin Rous. I needed someone to help me through that, and Gari needed someone to take him in and love him. We needed each other.

He adapted to our house quickly. A little warmth, a soft place soft to sleep, and someone to love, just what we all need.

Gari had never really been swimming before I got him. He loved it. He was always so playful in the pool.

Like most capybaras, Gari got along with everyone. Sure, he liked to chase the rabbits (but only if they decided to run), but he also shared his meals with them.

These are all photos taken in 2011, Gari’s first year with me. I think I am going to stop here. There is too much to share about Garibaldi for a single post. I will make separate posts for 2012 and 2013. I don’t have much for 2014 because that is after I (mostly) lost my vision. And then I lost him, which is worse.

I hope what I’ve showed you so far impresses you with what a wonderful animal, pet, and friend he was. Memories are hard, but they are also beautiful.