a sad day

Today's post is a tribute to a family member of our's (and Fenway's best friend) that passed away this morning around 1 AM (east coast time)-- our / my parent's dog, Princess.  Obviously it's hard to loose a pet, especially when you consider them a member of your family.  What makes it even harder for me is that we weren't there to say our final goodbyes and we can't be there physically to comfort my parents as they deal with this sudden tragedy (she started acting funny a few weeks ago, passed her comprehensive with flying colors two weeks ago, despite limping, and was diagnosed with Lymphoma last week).  I mean honestly, what girl can see her dad cry?  (even if it is through Skype)

To strangers, Princess was an agressive, teeth-showing, family protecting, yelling-at-you stump of a dog.  But to our family, she was the complete opposite.  Did she often unnecessarily bark? Yes.  Did she talk back to you when she was sent to her room or took Fenway or Harley's food? Yes.  But she was also the sweetest, most loving and extremely protective dog I've ever met.  All she wanted was a few head rubs, some food and for you to allow her to sleep with you in bed.  And for me, she was also very tolerant with Fenway as she grew from a puppy to a teenager.

The house is going to be quieter now (until we get my parent's a new dog-- JK mom. I know you're freaking out that I'm going to surprise you with one like I did with Prin...but I made a promise I wouldn't.)  And as I told my mom, time makes things easier.  It may not make it hurt less, but it just makes it...easier.

Princess was an abundantly loved girl and and will forever be missed.  It does make me feel better though, when your dad tells you that he feels in his heart that she's OK.  I know she's in heaven making another family just as happy as she made us for seven years.

A few of today's pictures to make us all feel better:

[Mike sent this to me while Fenway and I were waiting outside for him to try on wetsuits.  As Mike so classily put it, "Good thing I purchased that; I was balls deep in it."  And that my friends, is my husband for you.

We though Fen dug pretty sweet holes, but apparently she's not as talented as this pit.