Hmmm. . .

 

 



When I buried Hope, I chose a spot right off the corner of the porch where she loved to just lay and watch for squirrels, spy on the neighbors and spend time relaxing with me.

I picked that spot because it was one of her favorite places to be but also because now, when I sit there--which I find I don't do nearly as much without her--I think of her.

 

 



This gorgeous camelia bush grows and blooms right near the spot.

With the exception of one bloom, all of the flowers that have fallen near her spot have landed as if placed lovingly on her grave marker.  I find that curious and touching and somehow expected all at once.

Remembering

Treasure Found

This past weekend, I had the most wonderful surprise.  I tried to use my old camera--I had removed the card for the new camera but knew I could get a few shots with just the internal memory.
To my surprise I got the "memory full" message.
When I looked to see what was on there, I was thrilled to find these pictures of Hope from 6 years ago.

That last picture looks like "goodbye" to me.

It's strange how something can make you feel so happy and sad at the same time.

I still miss her so much.

One in a Million

Hope

January 23, 1999~August 17, 2011

 

She liked to be tucked in under her fleece blanket on winter nights.

The girl loved her toys. . .

A LOT

She also liked to watch TV. . .

A LOT

Mmmmm, cheeseballs

When I recovered my kitchen chairs, after I scotch guarded them, I set them out on the deck to dry.

I looked out a few minutes later and saw this

She cracked me up.  Such a silly, quirky dog.

Resting after a strenuous morning of opening Christmas presents.  Resting, yet making sure no one takes the one she saved for last.

This is how I will always picture Hope in my heart~sleeping with her toy in her mouth.

Well, we may not have had 25 years, but we had a good run.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.

It's the little things

I love this mug.

My friend, Kelly, gave it to me for my birthday. It is just the right amount of girly.  It has flowers and butterflies (but no unicorns or glitter). I love the graceful shape of it.

I love the little pink flower on the inside.

I especially love sitting on the front porch with my dog on a cool summer morning~enjoying the bird songs and sipping coffee from a cup that makes me smile.

Spot o' Sun

This Dog

Smart (so very smart)

Funny

Sweet

Devoted

She is fighting lymphoma like a little trooper.  Thanks to her wonderful doctor and staff, loving and supportive family and friends, and lots of prayers~ she is beating this thing.

My gratefulness for the past 12 years with her is beyond words and I will treasure whatever time we have left together.

Have Hope. . .

Praying for strength and courage for Hope as she takes on this unwanted fight.

Thanks for all the love and prayers that have been coming her way.

(Title of post--thanks to Shannon)

Typical Hope

Regal

Sweet Girl

Still no snow--that means more

facetime for Hope.

Opposites Attract

Hope and Allie
There can't be 2 more different dogs--yet they get along surprisingly well. Hope doesn't care much for the company of other dogs, but she does like my Mom's dog, Allie.
She even tolerates Allie being around when she is eating. Hope is extremely possessive of her food and much to my embarrassment, has made that clear to just about every dog in our extended family.

Hope is the alpha dog of our animal family. She is the older, wiser, aloof one--respected and a little feared by the other dogs when we all get together.
Allie, on the other hand is the alpha dog of the people in our family. She basically has us all under her fuzzy little paw. She will stare at you with those piercing eyes and you will find yourself petting her even when you would rather be reading or sleeping.
I suspect that in another life she was a dictator of a small country. A benevolent, shaggy-haired dictator, but definitely the one in charge.
She has some eerily human characteristics as can be seen in Exhibits A through C below.




Exhibit A: This is not a posed picture, she actually sleeps with her head on the pillow.



Exhibit B: Dogs don't usually use armrests, do they?



Exhibit C: Ok, this is redundant, but just look at her. Pure cuteness.

She is a real character. She has enriched my Mom's life as much as my Mom has enriched hers.

The Dragon Slayer

Correction: The Dragon Cuddler

(I know it's an iguana, but that just doesn't have the same ring to it.)

Autumn Approaching