Blogging has been on hold. It’s been a rough few days around here. My 13 year old lab decided that it was time to go. She lived well beyond what was expected and I’m so grateful for that extra time we had together.

It’s interesting how all the memories start to come to the surface after a pet’s death. At least that’s what’s happening for me. About 13 years ago we drove south to Rhode Island to pick her up from Tony, the breeder. His house was crazy and chaotic. Filled with puppies, grown dogs and his elderly mother in her pajamas. No joke. We weren’t sure what to make of it, but we knew that a little chocolate lab puppy was coming home with us.

After struggling with unexplained infertility for a few years it was nice to finally have a change of focus. She would be my first baby.

We placed her in a small box and she whimpered all the way home.

She has been by my side most days ever since. I’ll never forget the first time I took her for a run with me around the Charles River in Boston. I ended up having to carry her half way around the river.

She witnessed our family grow as we created a family through both adoption and natural childbirth. She went from being the center of attention to one of the many needing attention. This dog was able to withstand three energetic boys literally climbing all over her, tugging at her ears and pulling her tail. She was a saint.

When I decided to place my law practice on hold to raise my family she wagged her tail in support. A few years later when I started my own business I was grateful for the flexibility it gave me to be home when my kids came home from school, and it also allowed me the ability to spend time with my sweet dog during the day while I was working. She was always close by. She reminded me (by needing to go out during the day) that taking breaks to stretch and breathe fresh air is an important piece of the work day. She taught me how to live in the moment.

She inspired posts about Tips for Choosing Healthy Dog Food, Natural Flea and Tick Prevention, and just cute photos of her. She was an inspiration both for my blog and in life.

So if I’m a little off over the next few days or weeks now you know why. She was my first baby. Please bear with me as I find a place for all of this. It’s going to take me some time.

Let me know if you have any tips to help with the grieving process. I’m learning very quickly that I’m not very good at this stuff.