Tuesday, February 19, 2013

repairing broken hearts

When Kevin called me while I was teaching, I knew it was not good.

I knew he had an appointment with our vet because our sweet Rascal was sick.

Cancer.

He told me that it was cancer and that Rascal had 1 month to live.

I fought back tears throughout the day as I taught my 1st graders. When I got home, I sobbed throughout the night.

We didn't share the news with Charlie and Jack. However, Luke is 10 and he knew something wasn't right. He could see how sick Rascal was and he observed our sadness.

His relationship with Rascal was unique and his heartbreak was tangible.



The night before we put Rascal down, he plopped down on the carpet with the boys while we were having a "sleep over" and movie night. He knew. It was such a sad, yet beautiful moment for us.



For the last 6 weeks our house has been too quiet. The sound of paws on the wood floors and clanking of the dog collar were terribly missed.

We knew it was time to start looking for our next dog. In comes Lab Rescuers of San Diego. They rescue labs from high kill shelters and find forever homes for these sweet dogs.

Shortly after beginning our search, we found Lady. She was given up by a family who could not keep her because they were moving. Then she was adopted from the shelter, but brought back because the owner's little dog could not adjust to a new dog in the house.



The poor girl was given up twice.

Now this loving, docile girl has her forever home.



And a forever spot in our hearts.

Much love,
Katie



12 comments:

{cuppakim} said...

awww. this post is sweet.
what wonderful memories you guys have with rascal and what a wondeful sendoff he had.

welcome to your new world, lady. it looks like its gonna be amazing!

:)

Unknown said...

phew...happy and sad tears! what a lucky lady!

Joy said...

Goodness. I had to cry. Not just about your dog, but mostly about your boy.

xxoo

Karrie said...

Your words about Rascal brought tears to my eyes, but so SO SO glad to read that this sweet new lady has a home that she will be loved and cared for!
How sweet!

likeschocolate said...

It is amazing how pets carve such deep crevases in our hearts. So sorry for your loss, but it looks like you are beginning to love again and just in time because it seems Lady needed you just as much as you needed her.

Sarah said...

Such a beautiful story. Rascal will forever be a part of your family. I'm involved with a local Boxer rescue so I love stories like these. Thank you thank you thank you for giving lady her forever home. She's beautiful and looks quite content in the last picture. I'm sure she'll have more love now than she knows what to to with. :-)

Heather said...

I grew up with a black lab and a yellow lab. They are such wonderful dogs. Two years ago we had to put down our elderly family dog who was in pain from tumors. I still feel the hurt from that day. It was probably the hardest time of my children's lives so far. I'm so sorry you all had to go through that pain. It is truly heart wrenching.

Laurie J said...

<3 <3 <3 hugs to you, katie! thanks for sharing all the rascal memories, that is such a great dog's name

Marie said...

Aww. So sad and sweet all at once! love to your family!

The Olive Tree Blog said...

awwwwwwwww tears with a happy ending. shelter dogs make the best dogs. the best... it is like they are thankful for the home ;)

sorry about your pup. putting a dog down is no fun ( i know ) but at least he isn't suffering.

hugs!

Karen said...

She is adorable!!! How old is she? The kids must be so excited!! The bottom picture of her is so cute!! I just want to hug her :)

Susan said...

OMG. This post was so sad.
I'm so glad you found a new dog to love. She's just gorgeous!!!