Turn, Turn, Turn.......

This is one of the last photos taken of our dog, Fudge. She's been part of our family for almost 12 years, and despite the apparent smile, today was not fun. In fact, we've been dreading this day for a while, knowing it was inevitable. Though she is no longer suffering, her gain is our loss. And life goes on.

Yesterday I posted about looking forward, in part because I knew I would need that advice for myself. We're thankful for the time we had with her. She really was a Good Dog - the best! - and we'll miss her. The house already feels emptier, just a couple of hours after her passing. But, moving into this pet-less season of our lives, I want to remember all of the positives and none of the negatives. Like how she waited so patiently for  the crusts on Pizza Night. How she lay so regally with her front paws crossed, ever the lady. How she plucked her own blue, black, and raspberries right off the bush, and that blackberries were her favorites. How her tail always listed to the right as she trotted down the road ahead of me. It's okay to carry those things with me, good even. The bad stuff, though there wasn't much, doesn't matter anyway.

Today marks a new beginning; Fudgie is going on to a better place, and, while I'm staying right here, so am I.