Heartfelt Thanks

Wow…..I’m humbled by the outpouring of condolences for the loss of my beloved Little Bear.  I initially struggled with the decision to write a post specific to his passing. However after giving it further thought, I realized Bear was such a part of our travels and included in so many posts, it seemed appropriate to share why he will no longer be featured in our travels.

Brittany Spaniel
Bear: Brittany Spaniel

I love receiving blog comments and I usually try to acknowledge each comment with a response.  I had every intention of responding to all the wonderful, compassionate comments on the previous post, but I was unable to complete a full sentence.  In my defense, I did make several legitimate attempts, but the flood gates kept opening blurring my vision.  What can I say?  Hopefully you’ll indulge my being self absorbed under the circumstances.

Instead of answering each and every one of your beautiful comments, and I mean beautiful, I’d like to thank all of you via this post.  Ah yes, eyes are still a little blurry but I think I can muddle through ONE response…..from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your condolences and kind comments.  I realize most of you know exactly how I feel as you yourself have lost a beloved pet….some of you recently.  It’s never easy, but as the tears subside, we’re left with fantastic and loving memories.

Here’s to all our four-legged family members past and present…..cyber hugs to all and heartfelt thanks 🙂

Lake Powell
Bear ready to take flight from extreme winds at the shores of Lake Powell

A Sad Day

Brittany SpanielI awaken to the faint sound of a rooster crowing. There’s a light breeze blowing through the open bedroom window. I’m not sure what time it is.  I had a miserable and sleepless night.  I continue to lay in bed a little longer enjoying the morning breeze and listen to a horse neighing and some dogs barking in the distance.

As I turn over to glance at the clock,  my severely swollen eyes remind me of the previous days events.  It’s 5:30 in the morning.  I’m restless and can’t sleep anymore.  I crawl out of bed to start the coffee and go to check on Bear…..his bed is empty.  Oh yeah, I remember.  The tears start to well up again.

The events of the day before were totally unexpected.  Bear suffered a stroke.  The blood tests revealed…….not good, his body was shutting down.  Out of love and respect for our special four-legged family member, we say our good-byes as Bear falls asleep one last time in Al’s arms.

Best Pets
The perfect traveler….he loved to travel and explore new places

It’s been a week since we bid farewell to our precious Bear, and although the tears have eased, he is still very sorely missed.  Al and I still find ourselves looking to check on him or think we hear his paws on the hardwood floor.  The backseat of the truck, aka Bear’s throne, is empty.  There’s an emptiness………

We are blessed to have had nearly fifteen years of companionship and unconditional love from our little Bear.  We will cherish the memories and he will remain in our hearts forever.  May you rest in peace my beloved little Bear ♥

loss of pet
Bear visits the Grand Canyon…….my 3 wonderful children