I wanted a special gift
for my
soon to be husband.
My mom suggested,
"Get him a dog!"
What, a DOG?!?!
Why would I get him a dog?
Then my heart shifted,
I talked to my sister in law Neila,
who at the time
worked for
She agreed,
her brother needed a dog!
And she knew of the perfect one.
One thing lead to another
and I received a picture
that immediately
captured my heart
and knew
that adorable little pup
would soon be wearing
a big red bow
and nipping at his ankles.
You were our first baby.
But really,
a major daddy's girl.
You attached to him
and
were loyal to the bone.
You followed him everywhere.
Did not sleep until
he would return home.
On this day,
I told you to take a good picture
for Daddy's birthday.
Look how proud you posed!
You had natural instinct
to point,
kick up birds
and loved when you
saw the rifles
come out for the season.
But, really
it was just the chase
because you never
wanted to actually
touch the bird! :)
You and your cousin
were best buds for almost
9 years.
The two of you had a special bond
that shone through
during you last days.
The boys came along,
they loved you.
You loved all
the food they dropped.
You loved the holidays.
Christmas always
got you riled up.
You would try to open all the gifts you could!
You were the fastest to find
Easter Eggs.
Big Guy got upset
with you,
but I was laughing so hard,
and you were having so much fun
I just told him he better move faster!
You LOVED
the 4th of July.
You would hit the fireworks with your paws,
pick them up with your mouth,
jump around and
bark like crazy.
I don't know if you
thought it was fun
or if you were worried
and were trying to save us
super fire dog!
July 5th always brought a colorful Gracie!
You liked the boat,
but hated to swim,
even though you loved
to swim
when walking in from the shore.
You were are
a huge part of our family.
You always joined us
for our adventures.
I can't stop thinking about
this camping trip.
Just a short couple of months ago.
You were like a puppy again.
Running, chasing the ball
playing with Baby
all evening.
Swimming
in and out of the water
over and over.
We had not seen you like that
for a long time.
So blessed for those days with you.
But your body was tired.
Zee-Zee even brought you comfort.
We always wish for one more day.
Wish we would have known
you did not feel well.
Wish we would have
scratched your ears,
rubbed your sore joints
one more time.
But we know
where you are
and that you don't have
those sore joints any more.
We love you
and miss you terribly
Gracie girl.
love, the rockinryans
