Memories

Jake has been gone for almost two years now. I stopped crying over his loss a long time ago. His pictures pop up in my memories on Facebook on a fairly regular basis, and I love seeing his happy face and his Berner smile. Today his face popped up in my memories and it just …

Unexpected Emotions

The closer I get to the one year mark of Dad's death, the closer to the surface my emotions sit. I woke up in tears this morning. Dreams don't normally get me out of whack because they're just dreams and not reality. But last night I was at the house in California where I grew up …

Big Shoes To Fill

When Jake died, I knew that I would eventually get another dog. I've been in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog breed since I first brought Jake home in 2003. They are the kindest, gentlest dogs I have ever come across. Not to mention that they are drop dead gorgeous! I went back and forth …

Days Gone By

I have really been missing my big boy the last few days. It was really hard right after I had to let him go, but then it seemed better. Like I was on the upswing. But somehow the last few days have just been hard. I really miss him. There were 12 really, really good …

Big Dogs Domain

I have been the big dog momma for a lot of years. Twelve, to be exact. I got Ellie and Jake four months apart. She was a beginning of February baby. He was an end of May baby. They grew up together. When she died a year and a half ago, I was certain that …

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Twelve years ago! My, how the time flies. I brought my little boy home expecting to fully enjoy the next 7 - 9 years with him, per his breed life expectancy. Imagine my surprise when we passed 7 years. Then 8. Then 9. Every year I kept thinking "This is probably going to be my …

Release The Hounds

It's been interesting incorporating a new dog into the household. Especially an adult dog who already has an established routine. Aside from the cats REALLY disliking Ziggy, everything has been smooth sailing. There are some unique quirks with the two old dogs. When Ellie was alive and Jake was younger I had to separate them …