My love and thanks…

My love and thanks…

My love and thanks…

My beloved dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in June, 2016. Generally, a solution to such a diagnosis is an amputation of the limb, but at 15-years, he was already tottery on four legs. The surgery would have been devastatingly invasive, so I chose to make his remaining days as pain-free and as happy as possible. I knew that our time was limited and, with the diagnosis, I knew that the end would be forced by both the disease and my unending love for him. I let go of my adored four-legged last Friday. And though I have no doubt that this was the most loving thing that I could have done for him- my not having him in my life has saddened me to my core. Many of you know this…

My spirits have been lifted by those who have stopped me in the hall to speak and share a hug. There have been cards with lovingly written thoughts. Another generously made a donation to the Charleston Animal Society in his name while others brought gifts, and baked scrumptious cookies in an effort to make me feel better. You have made me feel better. I am grateful to know each of you and I am aware each day how incredible it is to be surrounded by such humans. The world is a better place because you all are in it.

This is one of my favorite photos of him. I am not a religious person, but I do wonder about such otherworldly things. There is much I don’t know about existence. Perhaps when I die someday, it will simply be followed by a pause- and then a turning around to find this face peeking back at me, wondering why it has taken so long to catch up.