Three Months Gone.

[Random Gemini]

Reilly,

It's been almost three months since you left and I still miss you every single day. It gets hard every time I see another big black dog. It's hard to drive my car because I'm used to having you breathe in my hair when I zip through the bends. The kids miss you sneaking into their bedrooms to sleep on their beds and I miss your nose pushing into my hand to wake me up every morning. Daddy misses your doggie bounce and wiggly butt.

We got a puppy pretty fast, I wasn't sure I was ready. He's nothing like you. He's smart, he's sweet but he's not a happy go lucky little fellow. He's actually sort of serious and kind of... pensive which is something that I never imagined I would see in a Lab. I thought all Labs were like you. Big, goofy and lovable. I think I was right on the big and lovable part. Mugen's not very goofy. Maybe that's something he has to grow into, kind of like his feet.

We're learning a lot from Mugen, but I am still so grateful for everything you taught me and while Mugen is an amazing kid, I'm not sure anything will ever fill the hole that you left in my heart when you took off for greener pastures. I wish you were here to help me train him, but mostly... I just wish you were here.

I can't stop thinking about you today. I don't know why. It's probably because I've decided that I'm writing my NaNoWriMo piece this year in your memory. I know that you will be sitting there with your head in my armpit in spirit while I hide in the basement and slam 50,000 words out of my brain and onto a keyboard in 30 days. You were there when I did it last year and always will be. Your support is what helped me get through it and I can do it again now because you were there.

I know I will cry the entire time that I'm writing this piece because it is all about you, but I know when it's done that it will be the last thing that we did together and I will find some healing in it. But still... it's so lonely here without you.

Daddy and I have decided to have 2 dogs this time and he joked that our second dog should be a dachsund. I stared at him and wondered who'd run off with him and replaced him with a pod person. He's never liked little dogs. I like them, but I think Mugen would eat a doxie. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I can visualize it... so I think that's probably not gonna happen. We'll just wait a couple years and get a girl. As much as Dad wants a yellow dog, I have my heart set on getting another black dog. Chocolate is nice, but I always find myself staring at how beautiful black Labs are... and I blame you for it.

Miss you lots waggin' tail dog. I have to stop now because I've run out of kleenex.

Run free, play nice with the other kids and I'll see you on the other side.

Love,
Mom

[javadoo]

OMG-that was just about the sweetest thing I have ever read. I am actually sitting her crying at my desk at work...silent tears running down my cheeks for you and your husband, and for Reilly. I'm sure he misses you just as much.

I'm so sorry for your loss

[PopTop]

Tears streaming down.
As hard as it was, what you just wrote is one of the most beautiful testaments to a pet I have every read. You wrote from the heart and your love for Reilly shines through in every word. They give us so much in such a short amount of time.
No, another lab will never replace him. He was unique and that's the way it should be. As you said, he taught you much and now you have another to teach you more.
Am so sorry you are feeling sad. May the days that come help soften that sadness and enhance the memories which are so sweet.

[Random Gemini]

Thank you. I didn't mean to make you guys cry!

Reilly was definitely my heart dog. He was everything I ever could have wanted, but he was better than that. He was everything I needed too. I will never forget the first time I saw him look up at me with his big brown eyes. There was a silent pleading in them, and I think it was because he wanted me to shut all the other dogs in the shelter up so he could take a nap. The next day, he was mine and we never looked back.

I think if there is a heaven, the ten years I had with him were it.

[starburst900]

aww thats such a sweet post. Run free to rainbow bridge sweet boy. I'm sorry for your loss

[Daisy and Miia]

Beautiful post, it has me in tears.

[wliberty]

What a great tribute. I'm sure Mugen will someday also have a great tribute. One dog does not replace another dog's place in your heart but carves out a unique spot all their own. Both dog's are blessed to be loved by you.

[Luvmydog]

I'm sorry for your loss. I can't stop crying, what a beautiful testament to your love for your sweet baby. I know the pain, it's only been 2 weeks since I lost my baby boy Petey. I bet they're running together right now happy and looking down on us saying don't worry, we'll be together again.

Rest in Peace Sweet Babies.

[flgal64]

Wow! That was beautiful... anyone who reads that should make sure they have kleenex. Reilly was very special to be loved by you!

[Jazz14]

I know exactly what you mean about the black ones......

[3Muttsketeers]

Tears streaming down my face.

[paintedpony]

Thank-you for sharing that....I pray that I have several years with my girl.

p.s. I believe without a doubt that there is a Heaven...the bliss you expressed is just a taste of it...savor those times, and let them whet your appetite for the immeasurable joy that is to come

[woofstock]

I feel the same way.

[vivbao]

that was a beautiful tribute.

[NancyO]

That was a very sweet tribute to Reilly. I'm sorry your baby is gone. I lost my boy Cooper (my heart dog) 2 years ago and my sweet Sam a little over a year ago. I understand how much you miss Reilly and some day soon that little Mugen will have a very special place in your heart too. Each day gets better and one day when you write about Reilly you will smile and laugh about all the good times.

Take care,
Nancy