The next phase

Living like Abby, without Abby, is really hard...

God Bless Sam

Sampson has been a total rock for us for the last week. He has made us laugh, reminded us that life goes on, and tolerated our extra attention. I found something the other day, by accident, that referred to March 10, 1995 as the day that I brought Sampson home from the Finger Lakes Humane Society shelter in Bath, NY. He was four months old at that time, which means that he celebrated his 15th birthday in November. I had misjudged his birthday many years ago and had just given him my birthday (January 1st) to share with me.

So, the old guy actually attempted to play in the snow with me the other day. Seriously. He did a little spin and got into his play bow (as much as he could) and then tried to jump up and spin around and ended up sitting in the snow when his back legs didn't follow instructions. The sparkle in his eye said he could do it, but the body couldn't quite follow through. He didn't care a bit though and just stood up and climbed back up on the deck. He's a great role model, Mike and I have decided. He slips occasionally and sometimes loses his footing and abruptly sits down or trips, but he doesn't let it get him down. His tail is always wagging and he's started to let us help him sometimes - and of course, he still loves to eat.

Sam told me the other day that getting us through the loss of Abby was his last "big job" that he had to do. That doesn't necessarily mean he's leaving immediately, but that was his last "assignment" as far as he knows right now. It's the second time he's helped me through this - he pretty much saved my life after Sara died (of kidney failure at 5 years old). He just accepts it and goes on - what a teacher he is.

Enjoy his picture - it's from a couple of years ago, but it's one of my favorites and he pretty much looks the same. A few more gray hairs, but still stunningly handsome - don't you think? Handsome outside, beautiful inside - God bless Sam...

Thank You (from 12/18)

It sounds so inadequate to say, "Thank you.", but that's all I can come up with right now. We are quite humbled by the outpouring of care and love from all of you.

The two-leggeds are going through the motions of somewhat normal life today, but the four-leggeds are doing just fine. They are taking turns being extra solicitous and making us laugh. Yes, laugh. How can you not laugh when there is a chubby black cat lying on your chest with her nose about a hair's breadth from your nose, purring at 150 decibels? How can you not laugh when another black cat has a soaking wet right front leg (up to his shoulder) - from "fishing" in the rice cooker that is soaking in the sink? How can you not laugh when a 15 year old dog destroys his dinner and then starts shoving his head between your knees and then sitting down attentively in front of you - repeatedly - (with frustrated snorts) in order to "earn" a carrot from the fridge? How can you not laugh?

So, we cry, we laugh, we cry, we laugh, etc. I would like to give you a link to a wonderful tribute written about Abby by someone that I have never met (in person) who also never met Abby. Her name is Kerry and here is the link: http://fightcaninecancer.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/a-tribute-to-abby/ She has been a great resource to us and also has become a friend (whom I someday hope to meet).

I think we are going to assemble a photo album of Abby's activities over the years, so when we do, we'll send out the link - in the meantime, we'll post some things to the blog, so please keep in touch...

All the best to everyone and the Happiest of Holidays to you and yours...

The Dance

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3674595221543443747#

This song has always made me think of my first dog of my own - Sara. Now, I'll think of Abby, too, when I hear it...