goodbye faithful friend

This week we sadly said goodbye to our Mabel.

Mabel joined our family on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1999. I had wanted a dog SO badly, and had been watching the newspaper for puppies. I found some, and convinced Tim to go for a ride. The directions led us to a barn in the middle of nowhere about an hour north of here. She was the runt of the litter and ran right to us. $25 later we were on our way.

Those early years, she ruled the roost. We treated her like our first child. She rode shotgun in my jeep everywhere i went. She slept on our bed. Tim would play hide and go seek with her when he came home from work at night. We bought her Christmas presents.


She was a good dog, and had a full life. By doggie standards, she was an old lady. Over the years her place shifted as we welcomed child after child after child into our family. But she remained full of love.....always making her presence known.

Tim and I never realized how hard it would be to say goodbye to her. She was our first dog, and was with us for most of our married life. 11 years of fond memories. No matter what your mood, she would always come running..... tail wagging and ready to lick you, always happy to see you. She was wonderful with the kids, and over the years earned many nicknames as the kids all started talking. Austin called her "goggie", Sydney "mommer", Dylan "Bee-bo and the latest "foofie" as Stella affectionately calls her.

Sadly, it was time to say goodbye. She was very sick and in alot of pain. She will surely be missed.