CCK Halloween Parade

Carving Time!

Halloween Playgroup 2013

October Haps

A little catch up on random October happenings...

Disney on Ice:

A visit from BFFs Lewises:

Christ Church Fall Festival:

Chili:

Caroline's morning smoothie:

A fun bday party for C's friend Lane:

Remembering Cooper

Earlier this month we lost our sweet yellow lab, Cooper. It felt like my heart had broken that day. Time and words of encouragement from family and friends have helped. I am also so thankful that he wasn't sick for long and that he was himself until the very end. And I thank God for giving us a (relatively) straightforward decision in putting him down and for the compassionate vet who helped him have a graceful exit. 

Anyone who knew Cooper knew that he was very "spirited." Sometimes frustrating (but always predictable) - he was full of energy.  Matt and I got him the month after we got married. His personality was the same from Day 1. He would fetch a ball until he literally could not stand anymore. He was wild. We worried but we brought home 2 kids who he loved to pieces (and vice versa).  He also liked to eat inappropriate things till the end:  shoes, Kate Spade clutches, stuffed animals, an entire 10 inch Edible Art cake for a friend's baby shower, soccer balls, Legos, raw filet mignon that would serve six adults...the list goes on.  One July 4th he seriously ate a bag full of unlit fireworks and was fine. 

He was also so loyal and protective of me and the kids. He was a part of our family and loved just being with us. Despite the energy, when all the dust settled at the end of the day, he would lay at our feet and sleep so peacefully. What a life. He had a strong personality, owned it, and was happy at the end of the day. There's something to be said for that. 

On a Saturday, we noticed he wasn't himself.  We thought for sure he'd eaten something he shouldn't - but given his track record and stomach of steel, we were hopeful he'd bounce back as usual. The next day, still not himself, I took him to the emergency vet to discover hours later that he had a tumor on his spleen that had ruptured. There weren't a lot of options given his age and the chances of the tumors returning. We brought him home for one last night, knowing that we'd have to face the inevitable the next day but selfishly wanting one more night with him at home. The kids tended to him and loved on him. I stayed by his side and prayed for him and for peace. The next day Matt and I went to our vet and for another opinion - but knew it would likely be the same.  I will say that he had such a caring vet who gave him the most dignified exit I could imagine. 

We miss him every day. Wells and I talk about what he's doing in heaven - chasing squirrels, fetching balls, and sleeping on cloud pillows. I at least feel like I learned a little more about loving imperfection that week. And thought about how you never know when your last days with someone or something will be.  

We miss you, Cooper. Our house feels empty without you. But we are happy for you- and hope you are enjoying eating whatever you want in doggie heaven.