Happy Thanksgiving

Hard to believe Bocci has been gone almost three weeks and today marks 13 months for Bailey. Where does time go?

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I figured it's a good time to take note of the things I am thankful for (in no special order):

1. My caring husband and family - they put up with me after all!
2. Basil Baby
3. The presence of my folks - I feel blessed that they are 80 and still gracing this earth.
4. Minesweeper - love that game
5. My Blackberry - I am addicted
6. Desserts - need I say more? Yes, MORE desserts please!
7. My awesome friends
8. Snowmen - they always make me smile. Especially when I go into Home Depot and see the big, gigantic blow up Snowmen...now THAT makes me grin from ear to ear.
9. Our new home - I've had so much fun decorating and adding personal touches.
10. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes - YUM!

Happy Thanksgiving All!

Thank you

Thank you for the many thoughtful notes on the loss of Bocci. We all lose loved ones and it's comforting to know that friends are near for support.

It seems unreal that two weeks ago Bocci was healthy (as far as I knew) and thriving well for a 13 year old. Now she is gone and the house isn't the same. I have been beating myself up thinking that maybe there was more I could have done. It's crossed my mind a million times that I may have given up on Bocci before she gave up on me. I wanted to find that one slice of time that was not a moment too soon or a moment too late to let her go.

Bocci's absence has taken a toll on Basil. Many have noticed that she is not as perky and social. I know she misses her big sister who was also a pseudo mom.

The vet called this morning and Bocci's ashes are ready to be picked up. While I dread making that drive, it will be nice to have her here next to Bailey.

Thank you again for all of the warm emails and notes. Here is a snapshot of Bocci from 10 days ago...standing beside the fridge begging for a treat. :)

Rest in Peace Sweet Bocci

Our sweet Bocci Girl was laid to rest today at 2pm. This ordeal - albeit 10 days - has been pure torture. She was doing so good in the mind and maintained her daily routine of begging for treats with long naps in-between. Unfortunately, the mass was not cooperating and bleeding more each day.

I went back and forth all week on what to do...I kept thinking, "if I found her in pain, I would make the call." That would have been the easy (selfish) way out. Having been through this with Bailey, I didn't want Bocci to get to the point of severe pain and agony - yet, I wanted her to be with me for as long as possible. To think that your beloved animal's life is in your hands in not empowering...it is devastating. I asked God to give me a sign and early this afternoon, he did just that. I knew it was time and I put Bocci in the car. We stopped at McDonald's on the way to get her a Quarter Pounder and French Fries. She enjoyed every bite.

In the end, I wanted her to go with dignity and grace - just as she lived her life. The past few hours I have experienced the many stages of grief and now, I'm back at the first of denial. It just doesn't seem real. I keep thinking she is going to waltz into the bedroom and summon me to the kitchen for her late night snack.

Bocci was such a wonderful companion. She was loyal, patient, loving and funny. She blessed my life for 13 years and I already miss her terribly. She rarely asked for much (except treats) and happily lived in the shadows of Bailey and Basil. She seemed to find joy in their quirkiness and was content just being here. My heart just aches, someone please wake me from this horrible nightmare.

I love you so much, Bocci. I pray that you have found Bailey and that the two of you are running in the fields. Thank you for all the joy that you have brought to my life.