Minute of Zen

Well, it's how Lanie does zen, anyway.

She's feeling more herself today.

Happy Saturday, and a Blog Hop

First please let me express my gratitude and awe for the outpouring of love and sympathy we received after Bullie's passing on Wednesday. I could not have gotten through it, nor the terrible day that came after, without my incredible internet family.

Although we knew his time was close, he suffered rapid decline over his last few days, falling nearly every time he tried to stand. He seemed confused and uncomfortable and I made the decision to release him. I was there with him, holding him close and telling him over and over how much we loved him. Thank you so much, friends, for easing my grief even just a little bit.

"The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me?" 
--Sir Walter Scott

Join us on the Blog Hop after the cut!

Goodnight, Sweetheart

We said good-bye tonight.

My Bullie

Ima Bulldozer

June 1, 1998 - April 20, 2011

Be at peace, my sweetheart. No more hurting. Thank you for the honor of loving you.

You were a very, very good boy.

Goodbye, my love.

For today, the good news!

Another week escaped me. My humble apologies. Things have been hectic at our house. Doctor and vet appointments and car fixing and hard decisions and some easier ones.

Let me start with happy things.

On Drive's Gotcha Day, he and I met up with friends for a little socializing with a specific purpose in mind.

We are going to Greyhounds in Gettysburg! The outing Saturday was to make sure that Drive and the two lovely greyhounds with whom we will be traveling would be comfortable riding together in the back of a van. I wasn't worried, to be honest. Drive is a passive sort of guy and both of the other hounds are known to (and loved by) me. We drove around for a couple of hours, stopped to visit a beach, and enjoyed the company and conversation. I'm confident there will be no issues.

Ki-lee

 

 

 

 

I've met Ki-lee (and her mom, Sharon) more than once before. Long story made short, Ki-lee stood in as "therapy hound" for me once, when Drive was at home and I was not. Helping keep track of her, petting her, talking with her, taking pictures of her phenomenal ears -- she kept me from more than one panic attack the day we met. She also, for reasons not yet known to me, decided that I was perfect for sitting on. She's reiterated this opinion every time we've been together since. I'm lucky to know her and to have a friend like Sharon who will share with me.

Just to make you really jealous, this is Charm:

Charm

Is she not beautiful? I think I'm going to be with three of the prettiest hounds at GiG! And I think you can tell from this picture that everyone got along just fine. This was the first time Drive and Charm had met; that's his haunch Charm is using for a pillow. I'd met Charm and her mom, Karen, before and I couldn't be happier about taking this trip with good friends and greyt pups.

With that, everything is a go!

Gotcha!

Every dog should be so loved.

Six years ago, I brought you home. I didn't know who you were, or what you would become. 

We have a fun day planned to celebrate our anniversary, and I can't wait to share the pictures with everyone! While you're waiting for those, why not look around the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop?

Wellness Wednesday

Well, things are looking good. Drive is a healthy 74 pounds and only screamed twice while we were in the office for his (and Lanie's) annual check-up. He peed copiously all over the lobby, shed enough nervous hair to stuff a pillow, and is up-to-date on his vaccinations. We had a wellness blood screen done as he is going in two weeks to have a thorough dental cleaning; I expect he'll lose a tooth or three. I am looking forward to better breath.

Sadly, we did not stop at any of the magic food windows on our way home. Lanie, my darling little trash disposal, needs to lose about five pounds. Ah, well. Longer walks for all of us!

I Think She's Trying to Tell Us Something

Preemptive Disclaimer: She's not like this at every meal and we don't reward her obnoxious behavior under regular circumstances. On this particular evening, we had pizza delivered, and all of the dogs know that means they'll be getting bites of the crust. When The Dad lingered over his crust rather than turning it over immediately, Lanie began to worry she might not get the share to which she obviously felt entitled.