Gone

She died yesterday before her vet got here. Just so fast.

I'm not sure anyone really understands how close the relationship was between me and Stella. It's just always been that way. I understand completely why someone runs into a raging ocean when her dog gets pulled in by a wave regardless of the consequences. I get why a dog lays over the grave of her person and refuses to leave. When Stella drew her last breath, I just wanted to follow her wherever it was she was heading.

I've always dreaded this day even though it's been coming for awhile. When I thought she was going to check out after her surgeries almost two years ago, I put together some of my favorite shots of her. When she recovered, I very, very happily stashed it away and forgot about it until yesterday when I started looking through a lot of pictures. I added a few more. Her memorial.

Stella. Wonder Dog.

July 4, 1997 - March 22, 2013

Sad Day

I began to think she could live forever, this Stella Girl. Just when I thought she might be down for the count, she'd rally back strong. Given about three months to live after her back-to-back surgeries, she just passed the one year, nine month mark. Amazing. A defier of the odds. Last week, we were taking our daily walks through the neighborhood and she was leaping off curbs and galloping across streets like a puppy.

In the last week everything has changed. This time, there's no rallying back. It has happened so fast. I've been with her, sitting next to her, taking her all in, whispering in her droopy deaf ears, and slipping a bowl of water under her chin from time to time. This afternoon, her vet will come and we will set her free.

I just wish she'd quit looking at me with those huge brown eyes, because this time they're saying good-bye.

For the love of the dogs

Whaddaya think?

Should we go out or not?

I don't know. Whaddaya think?

Looks cold out there.

We're wearing our fur coats.

The grass is probably wet.

Our boots are in the garage.

Have you had breakfast yet?

No, not yet. You?

Not yet.

Why are we sitting here?

Beats me. Let's eat.

Surfin' Sabulldog

OMG. I showed this video to Stella this afternoon and she immediately pushed me aside, went to Amazon.com, and started shopping for boogie boards . . . .

Thanks to Piersun via Joan for finding and sharing this. Stella says thanks, too!

PS: She also asked if we could get a bulldog. That's where I had to draw the line . . .