Friday, February 17, 2012

Gracie Mae

We had forgotten what it was like to have a puppy in the house...
Sleep deprivation from being up several times a night for potty breaks.
Constantly telling the puppy "No!"
Having to have the house "puppy-proofed."
Scheduling our day around the puppy's schedule.
We had also forgotten how much fun it is to watch them play.
Watching their joy when they find the perfect leaf to bring you...or to keep away from you.
Watching their tiny legs stumble about.
And cuddle time!  Oh, we had forgotten all about cuddle time!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Welcome Gracie!

Yesterday, we welcomed a new family member into our home.
 Meet Gracie!  She is a 7 week old Golden Retriever.
We are very much looking forward to her sleeping through the night!
(p.s.  We are smitten!)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Reflection

Its been 8 months since we had to say goodbye to our beloved Buddy.
 He brought all of us so much joy...including Bruno, our crazy Chihuahua.  
The two of them liked to play tag.
 *roar!*  (more like: *yawn!*)
 Callie and Buddy in younger years.
 Buddy guarding the porch from...nothing.  It was his style, man!
 Buddy not missing his chance to be included in a TV interview.  
 "Did I hear a squirrel?"
 Belly up! (His favorite pose.)
 Sidney finally giving him what he wants!
 Ted and Buddy playing in more youthful days.
 Sid and Buddy exploring a creek. 
Callie saying goodbye in Buddy's final days.

I still can't get over how some days I think of Buddy and I'm moved to tears.  The loss of a pet is never easy, but Buddy was something special.  I really doubt that there was a person who met him that didn't instantly love him.  (I used to catch the meter reader giving Buddy treats.  Granted, she probably gave lots of treats to dogs on her route...but I bet they didn't all get belly rubs like Buddy did.)  We didn't know it at the time, but "Buddy" was the perfect name.  He was a true friend.


I chose to post a reflection on Buddy today because tomorrow we begin a new phase in our lives.  Tomorrow we bring home Gracie.  If we love her half as much as we loved Buddy, she will be well loved, indeed.