Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Troubles, Joys

We said good-bye to our beloved dog Rudy yesterday. What a good dog she was and a true friend. Vance and I got her when we were engaged, nearly 14 years ago. She was a really loyal, really good dog. She was the perfect dog for our family. She watched us bring each of our babies home from the hospital. The biggest adjustment was Merit. Rudy was our baby before Merit. She watched our babies with curiousity and took measures to protect them. A few times the kids were outside and I was inside when the UPS or Fed Ex guy came with a package and Rudy would go nuts. Lots of barking and warnings so that I knew a "stranger" was approaching the walk with the kids outside. She loved going for walks and hikes and was good company on explorations. She lived in four different houses with us, she went on trips with us, she especially enjoyed Alaska. Her first trip to Alaska was with Vance and me on our honeymoon!  She road in the back of the car on many Lynden trips. Breathing her hot breath and sometimes drooling on the kids and their head rests. :) Man, it is a bummer she isn't here. A dog is such a good companion and seems to ease ones troubles.

I have been feeling sick and not sleeping good at all, so that has been hard too. But I think I am on the mend. I really need to be.

I loved it that Hazel picked up baby Jesus so many times out of the Nativity scene and with wonder would say "Baby Je". Each time she did that I was reminded of the true reason for the season.  She would look over at me with her sweet smile as she cradled baby Jesus. A reason to celebrate even during the tough moments. I found JOY in this.

I found joy and thanksgiving in how much work my dad put into Christmas Eve at his house, how much care Adie and Stan put into Christmas day at their house and how much love my Grandma Alma put into Christmas night at her house. Hosting something like that is a lot of work and it was so nice to be a part of three wonderful Christmas parties. Also, Lesha opened her home up to us a couple of times and was so laid back about this. I really loved that. Being with family is really good.

Remembering our good old dog:















7 comments:

Les Hon said...

So sorry for the loss of your old faithful,Rudy...I'm glad that God made dogs to love us so, but it does hurt when it is time for them to go.
Thinking of your,
Leslie Honcoop

Natasha said...

"Rufie" as Lane would call her, what a sweet, loyal dog. Definitely an "end of an era" it seems like, when she has been with you guys from the beginning. We will miss her too. So sorry....

kelly said...

Oh,I am so sorry about Rudy. I am so sorry also that you have not been feeling well. I hope you get better soon! It meant so much to me when you posted that you were thinking of me a couple of times...getting me through these busy times, sending me beautiful notes and cards! Lots of love to you<3

Jessica said...

So sorry to hear about Rudy. She was a great and loving dog. I loved her greeting me at my car every time I pulled up to your house. Thinking of you, dear friend.

Leah said...

I'm so sorry for you, Vance and the kids. Rudy sounds like a treasured dog who lived a very loving and full life for a pup.

Jodi said...

Ahhh what a sweet dog. So sorry and tearing up just thinking about losing my dog someday. Hope your Christmas was wonderful and Happy New Year:)

Anonymous said...

Awww...I am so sorry to hear about your dog. They are so much a part of the family. I know she will be missed!

Wednesday -

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