What is the oddest item you have kept after the loss of a pet?

There are the usual things, like collars, leashes, blankets, bowls, toys and beds that we keep after our furry loved ones pass on.  I even have the last medications from both Silver and Brut, stored away for what, I don't know.  I'm sure there are many more common things that us pet lovers keep, but what is the strangest?  What is that oddball thing that you just can't seem to part with?  That one thing that no one would understand except for your pet and you?

Mine is this stack of large yogurt cups.

Hubby, Mark can't understand why I've kept them.  Heck, I don't even know if I understand why I can't part with them.

Brut and I used to share a bit of yogurt every day all by ourselves.  He was just so adorable with food when we were alone.  No other dogs to threaten him and he would be so comical and attentive with me.  No fear.  He was so beautiful in these moments.  He was so bright eyed and bushy tailed, if you will.  His true self shining through.  Not the leader of the pack dog or the enforcer dog.  He was so content and happy to share with me and I with him. 

I could get him to do anything for food.  Place him in any position.  Add props.  Anything.  But during our yogurt time, he was free to just be himself.  Happy and free with a treat.  It was kind of magical who this boy was when his guard was down. 

He would eat from a spoon and he was good at it.  His eyes were soft and intent while his fur stood on end in excitement.  He had a smile on his face that shined with serenity. 

This is the first time I really explored why I've kept these yogurt cups and now it makes sense to me. 

It was my quality time with the REAL Brut. 

The boy I will always remember. 

How I wish I had a picture of his face of happiness.

At least now I have the memory the go with the cups.

So how about you?  What the strangest thing you ever kept from a loss pet?

the Simple things

It was a simple easy-going day yesterday at the 24 Paws of Love.  The dogs and I were recovering from a long day the day before
and we just hung out all day together.  Back and forth, from one pack to the other.  Making the most of this day and being together.

Chance gave a long solo howl which eventually prompted Fiona "across the door" to join in.  I couldn't believe how long the song lasted.  It was beautiful.  It made me wonder what he was singing about and why.  Was there a purpose to his song or did it just want to express himself at that moment?

We ended our sweet little reclusive time by playing the "Find It" game.  I throw treats around the yard and they "find it."  Just before going out to play, all the dogs joined in as the Howling Choir, as always it was awesome!  Zappa does more barking that howling and his voice has become raspy, reminding me of the many years we have spent together.  I love the memories we are making together as the dogs age gracefully.  These are the times I won't have on my memory card, but will be able to recall in a heartbeat with the help of this blog.

That's why I write, because some day all of this will be a memory in my heart.  It's the simple things that make my dogs the light of my life. 

Mr. Solo

10 months after losing Silver

I did not expect to lose Silver so quickly after losing Brut.  Silver's gene's were strong on her dad's side and I really thought she had a good 3 or 4 more years to live.  Sometimes I'm still in shock over her death from 10 months ago.  Sometimes it is still hard to believe Silver isn't here, her presence is still strong.  I feel her at my side throughout the day and night.

Morning times are my mourning times.  It is when the sadness spills all through my body and I don't know how I am going to go on that day.  I am never alone during these crying spells though, and it is Silver's kids that keep me going knowing that their love and hope will carry me through another day without their mother.

I have been grieving for almost a year now and Silver's anniversary is in January.  Silver is the dog we've had the longest.  Maybe that's why it feels like she is always here and never really left.  Her body may have died, but her spirit is strong with me.  Maybe that is why I've never written about her death on her page.  I just can't bring myself to do it.

I miss my girl.  This time last year we knew she had cancer and we didn't know how long she had.  My time was spent taking care of her until the end.  I miss my little Momma Dog Silver.  I miss her mothering intuition and how she always took care of me.  Her perfect timing, her all knowing and the touch of her velvety fur.  She was so awesome like that.

I'm glad she still here.  I don't feel so alone with her by my side.

Brut Thursday- The Snow King

The night was still and quiet.  Not a sound could be heard but our own.  The bitter cold air seem to freeze our breath in front of us and the snow beneath us was crystallized.

The snow piles Brut and I sat on were the result of raking the deep snow off the garage roof.  I had to knock them down for fear of one of the dogs getting on the garage roof, they were that high.

It seemed as if the world had just stopped moving that frigid night.  Brut sat erect and elongated listening for the faintest sound.  Ears slowly moving with bat radar this way and that.  The rest of the dogs had gone in, but not Brut, my winter die hard, he climbed the top the snow pile and smiled.  He was in his element.  We both were and I climbed to the top to sit next to him.

I carefully followed the ears and head of this magnificent snow beast.   Keeping a  close eye of that little twitch of alertness when he connected with a resonance.  I shifted my eyes to his line of sight and turned my head with his.  And we sat that way for some time.  Syncing in alignment we were mindful of each other and the world around us.  So simple and true we sat close together, his bristled fur just whispering across my jacket.  This was us, the two snow dogs of the household that left me with a memory as clear as the stars that chilly night and a friend that lays in my heart, forever.