Doberman's journey

Merry Christmas in heaven, baby. It’s our first Christmas without you, and mama misses you every day! We said good-bye to you 5 months ago today; it seems like yesterday, and it seems like a lifetime ago. Where did the time go? Last Christmas you were doing fantastic, rockin’ life on 3 legs. You always loved the snow, loved chasing your ball, dropping it in front of the shovel, just to snatch it away when I reached for it. I always worried about you when it was icy and slippery, but you totally knew what it meant when we said “careful” and “easy”; you took great care not to slip, or go too fast. You were such a bright boy!

As the new year dawned, we started to take pro-active measures for you decreasing kidney function, and did your first  IV fluid therapy in January. You sailed through this too – it helped that everyone at the vet clinic treated you like the rock star you were. This first session would benefit you for several months, although diapers would become a way of life for you from then on. Even that didn’t phase you…you accepted them with no problem, and looked so cute in the designer wraps we found. Through it all, you had your dignity; never complaining, just enjoying and embracing all that life threw at you. You were the epitome of “LIVING IN THE NOW”, and “BE MORE DOG”. We learned so much from you!

never complained

As Winter turned to Spring, your kidneys were declining more, and arthritis started to slow you down. Being a Triapwd for almost 3 years was taking a toll on your aging body. We started doing  IV fluid therapy every 4 weeks – with still no complaining from you. You gracefully and joyfully did everything we asked of you, and more. I was planning the  trip to visit my Tripawd family over Memorial Day Weekend, and was SO scared to leave you. I knew daddy would take good care of you, but I was worried; I knew your health was declining, and wasn’t sure how much longer you’d be in your earthly clothes. But, being the trouper you were, you held on for me to make the trip. I think deep down, you knew this was important for me and let me know it was OK to be away from you for the long weekend.

Always touching me

Cuddles

Spring turned to Summer, and we knew it was only a matter of time before you had to leave us. We celebrated your 3 year ampuversary on June 17, 2017. We were so amazed by that milestone! When this journey started, never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d see that day. Little by little, we felt you starting to slip away from us, and prayed SO HARD that you would let us know when it was time. You’d fought so hard, for so long…..we knew you were getting tired, but knew you didn’t want to leave us. That day came on July 25, 2017; a beautiful, clear, sunny, perfect day. Your beloved vet came to our house so we could say good-bye in the yard you loved so much. As we laid by you on your pillow, with brother Kodi near, you placed your trust in us one last time. Daddy and I were right there, holding you, hugging you, telling you we loved you – and that everything was going to be ok. My heart broke in a million pieces that morning….<3<3<3. About an hour after you’d left us, I looked up to see a cardinal in my flower bush – I knew right then and there that you’d made it to the Bridge. You were telling me YOU WERE OK!

Morning of…

Mom, I made it!

Shadow Box Memorial of Nitro

Here we are, 5 months later. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, and miss you. A new little bundle of energy and joy has come to live with us….I feel in my heart, he was sent here by you. You knew we needed someone special to bring joy back into our lives, after the pain and heartbreak of losing you. You did real good, baby! Grizzly loves us with his entire tiny body; he’s infuriating, and funny, and exasperating, and loving all at the same time. We don’t know what we’d do without him, THANK YOU! I hope all is well at the Bridge; you must have so many friends there. If you can, from time to time, let us know you’re happy, and still think of us. WE LOVE YOU, SWEET BOY

Tiny bundle of love

2 Peas in a Pod

Wishing you peace and love this holiday season ~ the Ehlers’ Ranch

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