The "kids" left on Saturday, after an all-too-short side trip to see us. We managed to squeak every single second out of our visit, and I can truly say that we shared the best of "quality time" together. We have wonderful memories to hold us over until this summer, when we see them again.
Before they arrived, I'd cut out the fabric for this project. I pieced the fabrics on Saturday evening, and completed the quilt on Sunday.
When we first moved to Florida ten years ago, we arrived with four dogs...Kes' dad, Morgan; my male Labrador, Bannor; Kes and my Golden retriever, Kirby. While Kes and Kirby always got along, they always vied for my attention. I didn't get one girl without the other. One should always be so fortunate to have the affection of a dog, let alone more than one. I've been blessed, that's for sure.
When our younger son lost his Labrador, Friday (Bannor's litter mate), I asked if they'd like to have Kirby come and live with them. I knew she'd love being an "only dog" and all the attention she would have to herself. They said "yes", and Kirby went to live with them about nine years ago.
After our granddaughters were born, Kirby took on the roll of nanny/ protector/big sister to both of them and they all enjoyed a loving relationship as one big happy family.
Whenever I went back to Wisconsin, I could still see my pretty Golden
girl and snuggle her as she snuffled me - knowing that she now fully belonged where she was with our son and his family. It was win/win for all of us.
DC's Kirby of Hawk Hill
06/28/99 - 08/08/11
On Monday, sweet Kirby went to The Rainbow Bridge. I was so glad that I was able to see her and tell her that I loved her one last time. She had been sick for some time, but passed as gracefully as she lived her life. Her family - and ours - mourn her passing together, but we know that she's a young, healthy dog again and that brings us comfort.
DC's Lady Kes of Morgan
11/03/97 - 08/09/11
Yesterday, Kes went to meet her at The Bridge. Kes was three months short of fourteen years old. In addition to all the old dog afflictions, she had been declining in recent months, losing fourteen pounds since June. She no longer had a zest for life, but wanted nothing more than to be with us.
When you love your dogs as we do, you know that that's not a good enough - or fair - reason to keep them with you. She was beginning to suffer and so we had to be as loving, but objective as we could be. We finally made the ultimate sacrifice that a pet owner has to make. We let her go.
This song kept running through my head today (in fact, it's one of the last things I said to her), so I'll close by sharing it with you.
For my Facebook friends, I know the video won't show. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egX9N8yOgaU
I'm going to take a few days off. I know you'll understand. I just want to step back and take the time to mourn the loss of our sweethearts. I'll be back with my Sunday Scripture.
Duke
11/03/97 - 08/10/11
UPDATE: Kes' last remaining litter mate, Duke, died Wednesday. I can't believe how much he looked like his sister! One more good dog joining the party at The Rainbow Bridge. Our sympathies go out to his owner and family. I know he'll be sorely missed.
