Remembering Abby

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

Ben Williams 

 

 

We lost Abby last Friday. She had cancer in her jaw. She's the one in the red. Jo is blue. Most of you know the joy and fun in having a pet. You probably also know the heartbreak when they have to be put down.

 

 

After I retired it was in my heart to get two puppies so they could grow up together, and I could enjoy watching them. It took two years to convince Jerry to do this. We decided on two chocolate labs and got them when they were 12 weeks old.

 

 

 I love the snaps of them playing!

 

 

I had only one other puppy in my life. My other dogs came from homes that needed to get rid of them. I was so happy when we brought Abby and Jo home. Being retired I could watch them all day long. It was an adventure.

 

 

They stuck together like glue. Where one went the other went. Abby was smaller than Jo by 20 pounds. Abby was quick and alert. Jo lumbered along and was more peaceful.

 

 

Always together. When they were outside, Jo wouldn't come into the house unless Abby was right there beside her. Protective of her sister.

 

 

They just turned one when I found out I had cancer. I remember we had to build a border around me so they couldn't jump on me. But they still found a way to be close. They definitely took care of their mom.

 

Abby wasn't free with her kisses most of her life. It wasn't until I broke my ankle last August that she started being affectionate. My fall scared her, and then she was generous with her kisses. I'm going to miss that. 

 

 

 

We expected Jo to leave us first because she has joint pain and is on medicine. But she's here, quiet as usual, missing her friend.

They were always waiting for mom to finish this or that. Patiently waiting until mom took too long and they let me know it! Jo's favorite green toy! She picks it up every time we come home to welcome us.

You really can have 100 pounds of dog on your lap and be okay They would take turns sitting on top of me. As soon as one got off the couch the other one would jump up.

 

 

Always racing some where when they saw or heard anything.

A favorite toy. The balls made a noise.

They would sleep on top of each other.

Playing again.

We're going to miss our sweet Abby.

"The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest."

Martin Luther

 

 By His Grace . . .