Three Years Ago Today

[POPTOP]

Yes, the time has gone by so fast. Three years ago today DD and her family moved back into their house. For those of you new here, three years and five months ago DD's house burned, total loss. The absolutely worse feeling in the world is receiving that phone call and rushing over, seeing smoke where there should not be smoke in the sky.

They all got out, including their GSD, Quincy. Their two kitties perished from the smoke; they hid in the closet. They had nothing, no shoes, no diapers for the baby, only the clothes on their backs. The first days after were a blur of trying to get them settled, buying clothes, school supplies, the necessities of life.

What made it all easier was the unbelievable outpouring of love and support from this board. Daily, packages of clothes, toys and goodies were delivered along with gift cards and checks. Easter was close and Easter goodies arrived. Favorite toys and books were replaced. But most important, knowing all would be OK and this challenge would be conquered.

During the rebuilding, at my urging, DD and family took a vacation that had been long planned, boarding their dog, Quincy. They needed a break to relax. Their house is only 2 miles away and I would watch the rebuild. They had hardly been gone when Quincy had to be rushed to the vet. It was a tumor invading his spleen and probably liver/kidneys. After a rush of phone calls, I laid by his side and said goodbye.

The house was rebuild in 5 months, not a large house, but their house. Not long after, they brought Nicky, a 4 month old GSD, into their lives; the family was complete.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about and say a prayer of thanks for everything this board has done for my family. Yes, we are here because of our love of labs, in fact all dogs and animals, but it goes much further. We care about each other.

Thank you.

[Berna]

I remember, Fran. So happy to know they are doing okay! That must have been really devastating, losing the house, and losing all the animals So sad.

[Nancy0]

I remember too Fran. Very devastating. Glad to hear they are all doing well now.

[KenZ71]

Glad they are on the upswing !

[Sandra]

I had no idea. What a wonderful thing it is that your lab board friends helped you get through it. They are a special group indeed.

[EmmaJo11]

I can't believe it was three years ago. Feels like yesterday reading that devastating news. So glad everything is back together.

[SunDance]

Three years......I can't believe that much time has passed....

I thought about you earlier this morning as I was remaking the dog bed that my "inferior redecorator" took his paws to overnight. I'm still using those heavy cotton covers that you sent when Sunnie had her puppies....it's been 5 1/2 years since my wonderful packages of linens arrived....they're holding up so well and show me if they need washing between scheduled launderings. The overnight beds get a lot of daytime play use, too, and I like protecting the beds themselves....the covers are so easy to throw in the wash.

Funny how time flies....and great reminders of the love on this board.

[bett]

i do remember clearly the tragedy.

[Daisy and Miia]

I remember that day and I can't believe it's been 3 years already.

[Mr Kleb]

Three years already . . .

We have a great group of people here.