Yoga

I have recently started yoga.  I am really enjoying it.  It was a beautiful day...  bright sun, cool breeze, great mountain views.  So, I took my yoga mat and went outside on the deck.  I was completely relaxed, enjoying the day.  The dogs were relaxing in the sun as well...
All of a sudden, when I was in, wouldn't you know it, "downward dog", there was a sneak attack.  Louie came under my body and straight to my face!  Licking and wiggling and licking some more.  I couldn't lie down, because he was under me, so I had to just take the bulldog abuse!  I think if he could laugh, he would have been laughing, hysterically!  All in all, a good and humorous, yoga experience!  I think the combination of yoga and laughter is really good for the soul!  Thanks, Louie!

Just when I thought I felt better...

I was beginning to feel a little better about Beau.  Then I got the call from our vet.  I knew what it was, so I let it go to voicemail.  "We are calling to tell you that Beau's ashes are ready to be picked up"...  That was 4 days ago!
I picked my little one up from school today and we went to the vet.  I was a bit teary when inside picking up what was left of my dear friend.  My daughter and I walked, hand in hand outside, and I lost it.  Sobbed liked a little kid who just lost their best friend.  I suppose I have.   I remember taking Beau to the vet for his first check up when I got him.  He made everyone smile, as he was quite talkative.  He also showed off by "sitting handsome".  He got a lot of biscuits that day!
As I sit here crying, I think of all the happy moments Beau gave me.  He was a goofball who made me smile.  He was a protector to the whole family.  He was a chow hound.  He was a friend that snuggled with me when I needed it.  I wish we could snuggle now....
Beau's ashes are currently in his favorite room in the house - the kitchen!  He is near the things he loved the most, his brothers and sister, his humans, and of course FOOD!!!  We miss you old man....

Furry Scurry~ In Memory of Beau

As many of you know, Louie and I are scheduled to walk in the Furry Scurry on May 7th.  We have decided that we will be walking in memory of our friend Beau.  Beau walked in the Furry Scurry with Louie three years ago.  He did a great job, but his arthritis made him sore that night.  Beau had a great time with Louie that day.

So, if you can help the Denver Dumb Friends League and honor Beau's memory, please donate to our Furry Scurry page.  Anything will help take care of animals in need.  Thank you so much.

http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR/Events/Furry_Scurry?px=1005570&pg=personal&fr_id=1090

Lonely and quiet

Arrived home from Spring Break vacation.  Only 3 dogs...  No deep, boisterous bark.  No nudges on my elbow for attention.  One would think with 3 dogs, the house would be noisy.  But it wasn't.  It was quiet, lonely and felt empty.  Beau's best buddy, Bruno has been sulking, with no tail wags...


We all went to bed and I began the nightly routine, which includes biscuits.  Instinctively, I grabbed 4 biscuits and handed them out.  I had on extra....  I broke down in tears, again.
It is incredible how much 1 adopted black lab can change lives.  He will be missed for a very, very long time.

Sadness...

I miss Beau...  I am sad.  I feel empty.  We left to visit family the evening of the day Beau died.  So I have been having fun and distracted.  But, at night, when it's quiet and I am winding down - I miss my labby....  I am afraid to go home and look for him, without him being there.  Without his bark.  Without his nudge.  Without Beau.  I miss Beau... A LOT.

Goodbye, Beau....

We lost one of our best friends today....  As most of you know, Beau has been struggling with arthritis and old age.  I came home Saturday night from work and Beau could not get up on his own.  His eyes had lost their sparkle.  He just looked sad.....  I layed with him and we "talked".  The next morning, he was ok.  He ate, but he grunted, panted and huffed.  Beau and I talked about death and life and what an amazing friend he had been to me over the years.  I went to work.

I spoke to my husband shortly after I got to work.  He said "You were right about Beau.  He's not doing well.  He threw up".  I worked with police officers and was still at the station when I got this call.  I began to cry.  Several officers asked what was wrong.  I told them all of my old pal.... honest, loving and dependable.  I had half the station in tears with me...

I came home this morning and went to Beau.  He tried to get up, but it was a struggle.  So, I got down with him.  I layed with him and sobbed.  His head hung low, and he looked so forlorn.  I hugged him and said. "Buddy, if it's time, it's ok.  You just have to tell me".  He lifted his head and licked my tears and gave me a wag; as if to say, "it's ok, Mom.  It's time for me to go".
I made Beau steak, eggs and french fries.  He scarfed them!  With a heavy heart, my husband, 5 year old daughter and I took Beau to the vet. He layed completely still the whole car ride there.  We were all teary and trying to be strong for Beau.  We went into the room where they had layed out a Colorado Rockies blanket for him.  They gave him a sedative and we spent our last 10 minutes hugging, petting and kissing Beau.  All the while thanking him for everything and telling him how much we loved him.  Then, my daughter hugged her labby tight and said "it's ok to go Beau, we understand".  To hear those words come from a 5 year old is heart wrenching.  She loves her Beau Beau so much, but understood he was in pain.  We all stayed with him during his final minutes and he died with his head in my daughter's lap, his butt in mine and his paws in my husband's. 
we came home to 3 other, confused doggies, who are still looking for Beau.  The saddest thing was the lack of noise.  No more Beau bark to greet us....
You will be missed terribly my friend...  You were an amazing rescue dog.  but, really, we both know it - you rescued me!  I love you Beauregard!!!  Don't REST in peace, ENJOY doggie heaven, you deserve it my friend!!

In Loving Memory and Appreciation....  Beauregard, Oct 29, 1995 - March 28, 2011

Surprise!!

Louie LOVES to mess with Joe.  It is one of his favorite things to do.  Joe get hives if Louie kisses his arms, so Louie loves to kiss his arms!
I was putting Christa to bed the other night and all 4 dogs came with me.  Her mattress was on the floor that night because it was fun...  Louie climbed onto the box spring and hid amongst stuffed animals.  If you hadn't seen him get up, you'd never know he wasn't a stuffed animal.  Diva hid under a blanket near Christa.

All settled, we called for Daddy...  "DAAADDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYY".  Here comes Joe.  Diva popped right up and wagged her tail at him.  He pet the top of her head and she laid back down.  He looked right at the pile of "animals" on her boxspring, but didn't notice Louie.  Joe laid down with Christa to read her a book.  Louie waited until Joe got all settled and comfortable.....  then...
UP he popped!  Joe yelled, "NOOOOOOOOO".  Louie lept onto Joe and just started rolling.  Between all the laughter, we kept hearing, "where did you come from?  where did you come from??"

That's my Lou!!!!!