Good days

The writer and her muse

A favourite place to walk and talk

Graeme, Malcolm and their ‘Bud’

Claire’s best friend

Easter Buddy

We have been searching for ways to remember better days, laugh, cry, and lean on each other and God as we make the most of our remaining time together with Buddy.

This is our last day. Tomorrow Buddy and I will take our last drive in the car, and together we will embrace the inevitable. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My heart is broken. I’ve tried to manage things as best I can, helping the kids to walk through this time and make lasting memories. I’ve tried to care for Buddy and make him as comfortable as possible. And I’ve tried to honour my own needs to be alone and close to my dog, express my love to him in word and in action, and to process everything as I try to begin to let go. At the same time I’m planning my trip to Cancun with CANDI INTERNATIONAL, to do an animal mission there with a friend and team of vets and animal lovers. It’s obviously God’s timing in all of this. I’m trusting it to be so.

These photos are timely reminders of how our pets can steal our hearts and become family to us. Perhaps pets are the only example of unconditional love on this earth? They teach us heavenly lessons. Buddy has taught me so much, even as he goes through this illness with dignity and stoic courage. What an amazing dog he is.

Trying to be strong, yet not succeeding,

Lesley-Anne