Author Karen O’Connell is shown holding Twilight.

Karen O’Connell and her chihuahua, Twilight, have become familiar faces around town over the past few years.

O’Connell and Twilight used to travel the town together, from places such as Fredonia State to the local Tops. 17 months ago, O’Connell had to say goodbye to her beloved friend.

“She passed on a Sunday at 12 a.m.,” O’Connell said. “I heard a deep dog moan above my head and told her ‘it’s ok, lay down’. As soon as I said it was ok, she took her last breath. I talked to a spiritualist about it, and they said the moan I heard was her mother coming to get her.”

O’Connell first got Twilight when she was about a year old, and the two were together for 14 years. She was O’Connell’s first dog ever, and she described her as the “dog I’d never had”.

O’Connell said the moment the two really bonded was after Twilight had a litter of puppies in 2012.

“She had a litter of five puppies and she almost died,” O’Connell said. “I ran out and got her to the animal hospital. They said if it had been two hours later, she might not have made it.”

O’Connell said it has been a long journey for the two of them, but that people around town loved Twilight.

Twilight had been on water and pain pills for the last few years as she got older and was diagnosed with chronic heart problems. O’Connell said she was not surprised, but has still been finding it very hard.

So, recently, O’Connell wrote and published the book “Memories of Twilight”.

“It gives me something to go by and to hold on to,” O’Connell said. “I dedicated it to Twilight. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

The book goes through Twilight’s life and everything she ever did with O’Connell. O’Connell also did the pictures throughout the book, including the one on the front cover.

The book portrays many special moments for the two; from the litter in 2012, to looking at the goldfish in PetSmart, to Twilight dressing up in her favorite blue dress with dog bones on it, to Twilight with her daily biscuit, and the article printed in Fredonia State’s newspaper, “The Leader” in 2019, “Twilight the Campus Dog”.

On the back is a description of O’Connell and her work painting and sculpting, and her overall love for Twilight. Another special moment for O’Connell that is included in the book is back at her old home.

“I’ve lived at Concord Estates for six and a half years,” O’Connell said. “Before that I lived on Hoyt Street for 22 years. Twilight was with me for nine years there and there was this tree that she would always go out and stare up at. I don’t know what she was looking at, but she always did it, and I included a picture of that in the book.”

O’Connell had Twilight cremated and she wears a special necklace with her ashes in it every day.

“Memories of Twilight” has been published through Book Baby, who has also helped O’Connell print posters and bookmarks for her book. O’Connell will be signing and selling her book outside PetSmart — 3957 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk — on Sept. 16 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

While she does not know if she will ever get another dog, O’Connell said her Twilight was loved by many, and that this book helps her to get through a “mentally horrible” time.

“People loved this dog,” O’Connell said. “I still get asked ‘where’s the dog?’ when I go places. She rarely barked. I could go anywhere with her. She was adorable. This has been heartbreaking.”