Gut feelings – always to be trusted. You just never know. Our older dog had been slowing down, then more recently had some medical issues that turned out to be cancer. This day he seemed out of sorts. So I picked him up and held him and we looked outside through our sunroom windows which has been our sanctuary.

So many cardinals in the shrubs right outside the window. He would just watch intently while dozing on and off. Something told me to take a photo of this precious moment. All of a sudden I didn’t feel as if there would be many more of them, but I quickly dismissed my thoughts, but took the photo anyway. One week later he was gone – which I’m still trying to grasp, but understand he is off running happily in the heavens and no longer uncomfortable.

His front legs were shaved from a recent emergency vet trip. This little guy, despite all his medical issues over the years, turned out to be healthiest as he aged. We thought some of his issues were age, just like us. But the end came quickly, which I suppose is a blessing, but… He’s been in our lives for almost 15 years every single day. I haven’t worked since we picked him up in 2009 – With our last Jack Russell we both worked full time and were away often. It didn’t feel fair if we had an alternative.

To be honest, today is the first day I’ve been able to wear makeup. The tears keep coming. Many of you have another dog, or children/parents, etc. to keep you busy. I had Charlie. He kept me SO busy, ha ha – bless his heart. He was an amazing little beast, not a cuddly one, so him sitting with me listening to soft music was a blessing. Something he loved, correction – something he demanded was that the three of us were always together. He would try to herd one of us into the room the other was in and if that didn’t work he would position himself between us, where he could see each of us. Turns out he was the trainer. Haha.

Cherish those around you (human or animals) because we aren’t promised another day. We can only hope, right?

Slowly healing, thanks to wonderful friends. The flowers are getting me through as well as the lovely book that helps to put us at peace and know he’s beyond fine right now.

To brighter days ahead – we’ll never forget you sweet beast! xo

❤️‍🩹 Until next time…