I must admit... I'm really missing our dog right now. I just completed the page in Emma's scrapbook with pictures of us saying goodbye last March. And now I'm teary-eyed. He turned 5 just the other day so I sent some bones to work for Pete's coworker to give to him.
I know we made the best decision at the time for him and for our family. He needed more attention and more exercise. We needed to focus more on our children, and I was projecting too much stress from Cole onto other areas and people in my life. We haven't regretted the decision, and we know his new family adores him. But I still miss him. I loved the way he snuggled with us. I love how the snow fell and looked against his dark black coat. I loved how he made the kids giggle. I always felt protected and safe when he was home with me. It was hard to be lonely with that big lug laying beside me.
I'll recount for you all one of my favorite memories of Cole (it wasn't at the time, but now it makes me smile.) It was almost a year ago that I turned 30. My only request was a chocolate banana cake from a bakery in South Bend. I had tried it several months prior and found it delightful. Pete ordered a pretty big cake so after we shared some with friends one Friday evening, we planned to freeze the rest the next day... after we each had another piece. Well, our dear dog beat us to the punch. In the middle of the night, he managed to stand on his hind legs at the counter, open the cake box with his nose, and ever so carefully and quietly, eat most of the remainder of my birthday cake. Pete almost didn't even realize it in the morning. The cake box was just tipped up a bit and there was not a crumb in sight. I guess I don't have to worry about "sharing" my cake with Cole this year!! (If you haven't already heard the second memory, ask me in person. It's much more fun to tell that way. :))
2 comments:
Yes, I still am looking for Cole when I come to your house. He was a spirited dog, but a good one. Hopefully he is happy in his new home, but I totally understand why you miss him.
You'll have to look at Hillary's puppy - I put a photo on my blog - that will make you want to do the whole Cole experience all over...maybe!
I never had the opportunity to meet Cole. However, the cake story really bears a resemblance to Marley (from "Marley and Me"). I've almost always had a dog in my life. I always enjoyed them when I was growing up and I never thought I would ever consider life without one. Having children changes your perspective on many things and pet ownership is just one of those things.
We have a dog right now that is eight years old and I have to admit that somedays I just don't do much with her besides feed, water, and let her out to do her business. I know the children love having her around but, I don't know that I will be getting another dog after she passes away. I'm sure that I would feel as you do about Cole (life minus the love of a dog).
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