She was born on the September 11th and joined hubby just a few years after we started dating.  Then she became mine too when we were married in 2003.  She has been with us for every major milestone in our family.  Every new house, new job, new kiddo, new adventure, and yes, every hardship.  Truly, everything.  She has been by our side during all the crazy journeys and sleepless nights (even when she didn’t want to … gah the story of her reaction to our first night with Angel still makes us laugh out loud).  And she was always there with her tail wagging, bouncing along, delighted to fulfill her roll as our BFF.  She had the best disposition, loved everyone, and always seemed to know what was needed of her.  She helped me through the bittersweet loss of her other (lesser, ha!) canine half in 2013 when we said goodbye to Taylor.

She could catch a tennis ball with unbelievable accuracy.  Her shadow and laser light chasing kept us entertained for hours.  She’d box with us and play tug of war with just about anything.  She once got up onto the stove to eat a whole pizza.  She was a great feet warmer, yet she loved to play in the snow.  Gosh, there are just so many stories.  She was such a treasure and truly was the sweetest friend.  And though we’ve known her time was coming for, well, a long time, it doesn’t make the void sting any less.  Today, we said goodbye to the best girl any family could have ever asked for.  We knew it was the right time, but her missing friendship is impossible to ignore.  She gave us 17 years of pure joy, much longer than anyone could have ever anticipated or hoped for.

Life won’t be the same without her, but we are forever changed because of her.  This is the first time in my entire adult life that she hasn’t been with us.  It’s weird and difficult.  Sometimes I think I still hear her, but then I have to remind myself she’s resting peacefully.  She will always be etched into our hearts.  We’re so thankful for the incredible gift we had with her.  So many years, and a lifetime of memories.  Farewell for now, sweet friend.  We’re so glad you were ours.