Azul. I’m not sure I’m ready to post this, but your family has spent the last 24 hours doing nothing but looking at your pictures and remembering all the years we had with you and it has brought us so much joy.
Our first baby. A wedding gift. 15 years ago, you were the first thing that was “ours.” With those big ole blue eyes, you stole our hearts and taught us responsibility and a love we had never had before. Those first 5 years were so much fun. Adventures, doggy play dates, lazy cuddly mornings, and of course you were the life of the party.
When we were pregnant with Malachi, we feared how the transition would go. “She was your baby, she’ll be jealous.” “You know pitbulls, she may hurt the baby,” and “She may do better in another home.”
But all those fears melted away the moment you met our little guy. It’s like a switch flipped, and you were a different dog. You went from sleeping in our bed to sleeping under rocking swings. From long walks to helping wobbly toddlers learn to take their first steps. Roadtrip adventures to religiously waiting by the door to tag along on school bus pick ups. You comforted sick babies and slept in the bed of kiddos crippled by night terrors. My little babies would wake up with sleep still in their eyes and the first thing they’d ask about was you. Watching you love my sons and daughter will always be one of my greatest joys in life. There may be other dogs in our future but it will always be you. The dog who helped raise our babies.
We selfishly held onto you longer than maybe we should have. I saw in your eyes the pain of not being able to follow your kids around anymore when your legs failed you. We saw the light start to go out in your eyes but we knew you weren’t going to let go. So we held your head in our hands and wept as we said goodbye. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I know you’re at peace now, and not in pain. And I know we will see you again.
We love you sweet girl.