So tomorrow will be a year since you gained your Angel wings. It sure hasn’t been easy for your dad and me but we’re still moving forward and Lucian has helped. Your dad still has guilt over everything that happened with you. He said just yesterday that he will never not follow his gut feeling again when it comes to the medical treatment of Lucian. We know you don’t blame us for trying to help you and give you a better life…it’s just hard not to blame ourselves though at times. I can say that your life taught me a great deal and I impart what I’ve learned with others when I can. Just last week I was speaking with some ladies at work who are big dog lovers. Laura was talking about her 1 1/2 year old pitbull named Hank who’s been driving her crazy with his puppy antics (which her husband finds amusing). She was saying how not long ago Hank was neutered…she said he was getting very muscular. I told her how we were not planning on neutering Lucian and how neutering at young ages can affect their growth and contribute to ligament issues in the knees later on. I explained how they are like children and they need their hormones to grow properly. I told them how much more muscular Lucian’s legs are compared to what yours were and how we’re hopeful that this will decrease his odds in having knee issues.
I know you are watching over us. Dad actually told me how he can still hear you at night walking in the house or he’ll “feel” you flipping his hand around to wake him up. He’ll get up and go look for Lucian and find that he’s in bed with me. I’m glad that you visit him…he needs that from you and if it’s not too much trouble I hope you continue letting him know you’re here.
Our road with Lucian has definitely been an interesting one. So this past week we tried not crating him in the afternoon. It started off really well…only lost one placemat and one dish towel. Then on Friday when I came home I found he’d chewed up the skirting around the ottoman and started on one side of the matching chair (the only piece that hadn’t been chewed on by you or Lucian). So I guess he’s still not quite ready to leave out of the crate. We’ll keep working on it and he’ll get there eventually. Thank you for sending Lucian to us…I know I cuss him from time to time (dad just laughs at me) but he really has helped us heal. You did good my sweet boy!!
Love always,
Mom
Our boy Leland before his surgeries started last May 2014
Lucian…our never ending prankster.
Beautiful Boys! These anniversaries are so bittersweet. So sad because we no longer have their physical presence in our lives, but so blessed to have had them. One year is hard and yet, I found a bit of relief in knowing the ” firsts” had all been endured. I also had trouble believing that I had not petted, kissed or snuggled him for an entire year. I am glad he visits. We need those reminders that even though they are no longer residing on Earth, they are snuggled deeply, safely inside our hearts. Thinking of you today, Lori, Ty & the gang
(((( HUGS)))) you made it! You’ve come so far. The first year, like Lori said, it the hardest… all the firsts. You do have Lucian to help you heal and make you laugh (and scream as we all know) but it’s HARD not to feel that touch and feel that part drift away. I am glad Leland visits your husband. Shelby visits too and I need it. I wish she could come more but I get that she’s busy.
Leland was such a handsome boy… he looks so regal and strong in that photo! Truly magnificent.
I totally get what you are saying about this time around being different … there is SO much now that I am doing different with little JL. And while I try and be ‘more dog’ and live in the moment, I can’t help but think about the time stamp on her big booty… ignorance was bliss with Shelby … Jasper … I am aware of our reality that our time on earth is limited. So we make the most of each day.
I am SO glad you have stuck around to be such a comfort to the newbies, the oldies… all of us! Sending hugs, love and peace …. alison with spirit shelby and little jasper lily
Okay, made it through the first few sentences with just a lump in my throat…then read where your hubby still “feels” Leland flipping his hand to wake him up…tears are a rollin’!
I real o y wish wp there was a magic pill we could all take so we would never spend one second on regretting something! We ALL know better! We ALL tell each other what a waste it is, etc. Yet, we all still do it to ourselves! We must force ourselves to not dwell there because it makes our dogs unhappy. They truly KNOW we did everything out of love!
I really can see how muscular Lucian’s legs are! Clearly stro g legs help him get a better grip on the furniture as he’s shredding it to pieces!
Yes, Leland sent you THE best possible distraction EVER!!
As Lori said, you really do have two beautiful boys…so handsome…so Regal.
A d I along with Alison and everyone in the community, am so glad you are here. It takes a lot of courage and a whole lot of compassion for others to put your own heartache on the back burner and help others. And you did it right from the start and have never stopped. But Leland’s story is so important. His legacy is so important. His journey had a higher purpose that I do believe he understood and accepted with grace and willingness. It doesn’t make it easier for his humans…but it makes us all so proud to know such a courageous gentle Warrior.
Sending you love…and a whole box of “bitter apple” to spray on your furniture!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Pretty sure the Bridge is wallowing in buckets of ice cream to celebrate Leland’s one year homecoming!
I know this one was a tough one for me. Leland was a very handsome boy. Remember no regrets. Our furbabies know that we love them and made the best decisions we could for them.
I know it doesn’t make it easy when these anniversaries come along but they are with us and visit even when we don’t think they do
((((((((((hugs))))))))))))
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Thank you all for your love and support!! It really has helped and been a blessing this past year. You’re all truly amazing people and the best earthly angels!
Much Love and Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
Sahana, I can’t even believe a whole year has passed. Wow. Yes, Leland is indeed shining down and watching over crazy Lucian and all of you..and getting a kick out of Lucian’s decorating expertise!
You are such an awesome dog mom. I can imagine what your coworker thought about your choice to not neuter. It’s a hard argument to make with people but if you can enlighten them just a little, then it helps get the word out that early spay/neuter isn’t the best option for every dog out there.
Thank you for remaining a part of our community. We are richer because of it. xoxo