Our dog Abby

There was lots of extra petting, hugs, and love given to our 12.5 year old dog Abby over the last couple weeks. But on Monday October 30th this sweet girl went to doggy heaven. And although we miss her terribly we like to believe she is once again chasing footballs, eating cheese, and reuniting with our other dog Brady

 Abby was so kind to our kids. Over the years she put up with each of them pulling her feet (which she hated!) or laying on her when they were young and didn't know any better. But on the flip side she got to enjoy the daily dropping of food on the floor and the bedtime snuggles as they took turns sleeping with her at night. She loved them and they loved her too!

 Let's give credit where credit is due! When Craig and Kelsey went to Walmart in Stillwater 12.5 years ago and saw baby puppies for sale she somehow convinced him that we needed one! And while Craig was looking at a boy puppy, she picked up Little A (as she calls her) and said "but Craig, look at this one!".....and the rest is history! Thank you Kelsey for bringing Abby into our lives and into our hearts! You picked out such a sweet good dog that has given us years of wonderful memories! 

During the afternoon on Oct 30th, I  knew that it was time for Abby to go to heaven. Coming to that realization was hard and I went back and forth questioning it. I even took this picture of Abby and at that moment she looked so content and perfect. But deep down I knew. We waited until the kids came home from school so they could say good-bye. When they finished and we got in the car to go to the vet, Abby's condition deteriorated so quickly that we were wondering if we would make it in time. But we did and she went to doggy heaven surrounded by the people who were there from the beginning--Craig, Kelsey, and myself. Thinking about the events of that day, we are convinced that Abby was waiting for the kids to come home so they could say good-bye because she knew that was important to them and to us. And after that was done, she knew it would be okay to go.

Abby (and Brady) were our "kids" before kids and will always hold a special place in our hearts! Even though we are busy tending to the needs of our 4 children, the house somehow feels oddly quieter with Abby no longer here. But we are grateful for the many years of funny moments, sweet memories, and love that was shared! Love you Abby!