This blog post feels very fitting that it should be shared on National Dog Day. This day normally brings so much joy and LOTS of photos, but this year it’s a very hard one for all of us. it’s a day to celebrate the fur babies in our lives, but also mourn the loss of all the pups who are no longer here.
This one hits the hardest because we sadly had to say goodbye to our beautiful pup Layla this summer. We are so thankful for every second we had with her and that we were able to celebrate her 16th-ish birthday and 10 years of her being a member of our family. She was truly a special pup and losing her has been devastating. Although we knew this day would inevitably come, it was a loss that was sudden and gut wrenching. Layla was a tough pup, who gave us one heck of a scare 8 years ago when she got really sick. But there was no way she was leaving us without a fight. And we got 8 more incredible years together. She was the queen bee of the family and brought more joy and comfort over the last 10 years and will never ever forget how truly unique of a pup she was. In true warrior fashion she rallied that last night with us, and allowed us to get a little shoot together. It is really hard to share that she is gone and these photos may not get edited for a good amount of time, but I am so grateful for them. I miss her sweet little smile, her cuddles, her fluffy squirrel tail, and literally everything about her. I even miss cleaning up the accidents and watching her snarl at any toddler that came to our house. She was truly one of a kind and this loss has hit us all in a way we won’t ever be the same.
I cannot even begin to describe the void she left, the silence in those first few days. You really get used to hearing the pitter patter of dog paws on the floor and without it nothing felt right. Even in the last few years she had slowed down and mostly slept, but her presence was so comforting and needed to all of us. But I know she hasn’t left us, she just became a little angel that would always be watching over us. The number of Cardinals we see out back each day and the little reminders of her face are everywhere. And while she is physically gone, her spirit is still here.
Before we were ready or even talking about being ready I know in my soul that our princess led us to our new family member. It was way too soon and i’m not really sure we’re even ready now, but It’s true what they say. that the dog finds you not the other way around. Layla was the glue that held our family together, the heartbeat of our family at times. And regardless of our readiness timeline, she knew what we needed to help us heal. Somehow our paths crossed with a creature that looks like Oliver and Layla had a puppy. The look of Oliver, the temperament and cuddly nature of Layla, and the playful spirit of a puppy all wrapped into one tiny package. Currently weighing in at 7lbs and officially 6 months old today. Meet Poppy.<3 The newest member of our family. She is a good girl and has fit in from day one. Happy National Dog Day to all the puppies that have changed our lives!!
