I am always thinking about what I am thankful for this time of year. Besides of course family, friends and health, I have mostly been thinking of how lucky and blessed I was for our pup Annabelle. A week ago today we had to make the decision to end her suffering. Annabelle was 14 3/4 years old , had kidney failure, unable to eat, drink, sleep, and recognize us anymore. Through a sleepless weekend and many, many tears, we made our decision.
Annabelle has been part of my life since I was single. When I met Peter, she fell in love with him too and during our courtship, I think those two might have spent more time together then we did. We lived in a picturesque harbor town and spent many afternoons walking and talking with Annabelle.
Fast forward many years, house, two kids, just daily life, Annabelle has always been there. Always part of our family. Happy to see us, just to be in the room with us. That is what has been so hard about her passing. I understand in dog years she lived a long life, but I miss her so painfully. Oh, how I miss her.
The kids are fine, we had a nice memorial in the yard. Charlotte said many funny lines (we can drive her to heaven) and Connor being nine was devastated at first, but looking forward to a new puppy.
I believe I am still dealing with grief, which I know is natural. I hope I can start to forget how Annabelle was the last few months, and remember her as funny, vibrant, and full of life. I am thankful she was part of our family (thanks Aunt Kerry) and all of us will always love her.
A few silly remembrances of Annabelle:
1. Fishing with Peter, actually in the water and rooting him on
2. Chasing the matchbox cars on Connor's race car track
3. Just sitting in the sun in our backyard enjoying the warmth
4. Snuggling with Connor after school
5. Running on the beach, crouching and pouncing
6. Barking at dinner (hey, she was far from perfect!!)
7. Our Saturday morning ritual bath and brush time, then a kiss and
cookie
cookie
8. Trips to Cape Cod, sitting on our laps in the car, head on steering wheel
9. Tilting her head at back and forth when her name was said at high pitch
10. Taking naps on your legs, sitting on your back, and giving you a look if you moved first
