We experienced a family tragedy the day after Christmas. Our dog, Gracie, passed away. She suddenly started to have seizures, and over 24 hours, became very sick. She died peacefully in the arms of Ryan and I, its its taken me until now to have the emotional strength to write about it. Gavin was sad for several days, and we spent a lot of time talking about Dog Heaven. Which led to discussions about kitty heaven and people heaven. The first night, through tears, he stated we need to get a new dog and name her Gracie Pacie (his personal name for Gracie). Annah has been a little more slow to catch on, obviously. The first day she insisted Gracie was outside when we told her she was gone. Then this past Sunday, about 10 days after we put her down, she looked me in the eye, and earnestly stated "Gracie died." Yes, that's right. "Ice cream treats?" (Courtesy of the book Dog Heaven) and "Running in fields."
Here is our last family picture. I actually don't remember the last time we were all in a picture, and I am so glad we have this, especially right before she passed:
Ryan and I were not able to take the decreased activity in the house for long. We went to the Humane Society this past weekend, and we got a very sweet little kitten, lots of spunk and personality, and doesn't mind a 2 year old chasing her. We named her Toodles. She has been a fabulous distraction and she greatly enjoys chasing her tail and anything that rolls. My parents brought their dog Riley over, and she had a blast chasing Riley's tail. She is a bit of a cuddle bug.
Gavin has announced what he would like to be when he grows up. He told me on the ride home he is going to be a construction worker/candy seller/beer brewer (thanks, Daddy)/car maker/rocketship maker/road paver. There may have been a few more in there, I can't quite remember. We have also been enjoying cross country skiing (both kids got a pair and Gav loves it) and rousing games of UNO. And now we watch Toodles. It may be a bit before we get a dog, but we love our new little kitty.
