Tilly
Written December 11, 2025. Today, I put my beautiful Tilly to eternal rest. I shall miss her more than words can say. She was my whole world, and she was the beautiful light that made my world shine.
It has been a long time coming as she has been ill for over 4 years. Her beautiful Cocker Spaniel body wasn’t able to process copper. She also suffered from a tick bite that compromised her immune system.
She was able to fight those things with the amazing help of doctors, friends and family helping us through our journey.
She brought joy to so many. She was a trained a service dog, and children were able to bestow love to her everywhere we went. She loved my sister so much, and through the tough times, she would thump here little tail to express her love even when she couldn’t lift her beautiful little head. My sister would fix her amazing waffles and pet her in just the right way.
She had a favorite toy that Was a skunk, and any time someone came into the room, she would shake it to bits and then run over for the reward of love. It was so charming, lovely and joyful. That is what I learned from her most, was joy
It is hard to accept the end, when just three weeks ago she was so vibrant, Her health declined but she regrouped more times than we can count. Now, at the end, I must accept this. I don’t know how to do that, and I am decimated by this tremendous loss. As I put her favorite skunk away for the last time, I can only begin the comprehend the gravity of my loss.
As I sit here writing this, I know that each of you have lost a bright light in your world. I made a heart for her, knowing her time was coming.
I invite you to share this heart that I made and dedicated to Tilly as a reflection to the lost lights in your own world. Tilly’s love was boundless. She would want to share that love with all of you, just as she shared it with me . And while my heart feels heavy now, I know her spirit will live on, in the joy she gave, in the memories we shared, and in the love she so freely gave to each and every one of us that had the privilege to be in her world. She was truly loved.
Sherry Been is a Manhattan-based artist who works in enamel, creating glass-on-copper sculptures. Her work transcends the beauty of the art form, carrying a deeper message acknowledging kindness and beauty in those who touch our hearts in unexpected ways.
Each week, she highlights a personal interaction that reflects this beauty, sharing it with others through her art and stories. These small acts of kindness—or simply being the best version of ourselves—can transform lives. Sherry’s work focuses on communicating kindness and honoring those whose lives have left an impact on us.