Our sweet boy

Dobie After
Originally uploaded by duanekeys

The fateful day came last week, January 23, 2008. Jennifer arrived home to find Dobie not doing well. His heart wasn't able to keep up and his lungs had filled with fluid. Over these weeks his dosage of medications had continued to climb. His original prognosis, back in October of 2007 was "maybe two weeks."

It was a constant struggle for us to balance his quality of life and our own selfish needs to keep our boy in this world with us. He had many good days playing with us and animating that personality we love so much. We worried we were being selfish, our vet told us we will know when it is time. On this Wednesday in January the balance tipped away from our own needs to Dobie's needs.

Dobie went to sleep for the last time in Jennifer's lap on the couch he loved. We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful end; our deepest heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Mozier.

Dobie rests now in a spot over-looking the pasture where he often would lie and take in the sun.

It's been dark and cold in our home since he passed. Maybe time will make it easier, but there will always an empty spot in our hearts that Dobie filled.

There will never be another one like him. He was the kindest, most loyal and loving soul I've ever known.

My only comfort is knowing someday I'll see him again.

We love you, Dobie Do.

Mr. Mellon

Mr. Mellon
Originally uploaded by duanekeys

I rarely call any of our animals by their given names, unless they're in trouble. Gelleon, pictured here, had to go to the vet today. We came home from a trip to the feed store to find a glass casserole dish shattered on the kitchen floor.

Gelleon was bleeding from his mouth. We called the vet who told us that it's a rather common thing to hear about and to feed the dogs wadded up balls of bread to help coat any small pieces they might have eaten. Mr. Mellon couldn't keep the bread down and kept gagging, so off to the vet he went. Dr. Mozier examined him and observed him for most of the day. He was sent home with some prescription dog food.

He seems to be all right now, but we'll going to have to be extra careful with what we leave on the counters.

Stuff like this always happens when I take the day off from work.

New arbor

My cousin Aaron helped me build Jennifer's birthday present shown here.

Green house auction

Jennifer just bought most of the plants in the picture. They're
dormant for those of who are horticulturally-challenged.