My life because of THIS dog.... remembering Luna

First off, where did nine years go? That's how long it's been since I've written. Albeit there are a few drafts in my drafts folder, ha ha. On to the blog!!

Well, the day came. Where we had to make the decision for Luna. We spent two months in Palm Springs. Luna did great! She walked everyday, but was definitely slowing down. We had moments of doggie dementia too. But keeping her happy and as healthy as I could was my focus, my priority. 

We made the BIG drive home from the desert at the beginning of the "atmospheric river" Jan 1st 2023. The first day was 11 hours, day two 11 hours. She was getting more and more confused. Walked into the hotel at the end of day two and pooped! Wouldn't eat, but her kidney failure diet and food sucked! 

January 1st at 8:00 we are home!! By January 4th Luna suffered two horrific almost back to back seizures. They were horrible! We immediately brought her to the vet. The adorable and kind Dr. Hannah gave us "the look" and said "well we could try pills to increase her appetite, and go for bigger dosage on the pain meds" And I responded with "can you come to our home tomorrow to let her go?" 

Writing this doesn't seem real. It seems surreal... It's as though I lost an appendage! Agonizing, deep dark despair. Leaving such a void! Just six months before my Luna left, my sweet momma left me. Mom used to always say "God I hope I die before Luna" She knew I would suffer and she didn't want to witness, but she also loved that girl so much! Two days after I brought Luna home in 2008, my husband was off the grid fishing in Canada, I got a call to fly a charter trip. This was during the "down turn" of the economy, my phone hadn't rang in months to do a trip!! So mom said "I got you! I'll come stay at your house with Luna!" And they bonded!! A deep love, respect and connection ensued. For 15 years. 

So it's now been three months to the day. And I can't get through the day without crying. I am so grateful for the 15 plus years we had. So many adventures! Hiking, camping, paddle boarding, lot's of snow! Earthcruiser trips! In 2019 we went to Newfoundland Canada. Gone for three months. She was just so darn easy. So "go with the flow" kinda gal. She loved agility, she loved our 9 years of pet visits at the Horizon House in Seattle and numerous school visits teaching kids the importance and responsibility of having a dog. Volunteering for the Seattle Humane Society where we were trained as a therapy partner team. We raised money for so many different shelters and did so many "walks". She was photographed by Catherine Handfelt who wrote the book "A Hundred Hounds of Kirkland" She was in several calendars too. Sheep herding wasn't her favorite but we both loved hanging out with Brian the trainer. Fly ball, and disc also were some favorites. Thanks to our friend and occasional nanny Tombi. She taught not only Luna a lot, she shared so much knowledge about the breed with me early on. 

"My life because of my dog" truly is an understatement. The connections, the adventures, the joy we spread, the love. It's such a gift! She was my one true soul dog, she simply was my heart. 

Elle is clearly my husbands dog. But is there when she knows I need her. Which in itself, is amazing. But for me, it's not enough. I could never replace Luna. But I'm considering an old dog or a young rescue. Not ready now but considering. The two souls on this planet that loved me more than anything, are gone. My sweet momma and my constant shadow, Luna. It's hard and it sucks. Simply put I'm riding the wave of grief. The ebbs, the flows. I'm leaning into that shit! And some days are good! When you love hard, you grieve hard. Imagine never ever loving anyone or anything! It happens. So... I AM BLESSED. Bottom line

Until we meet again my sweet yiayia and Luna. I will miss and love you forever