BITTERSWEET

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Roger Caras

Time sure has flown by since we received the news about Stoli. With the time, we also have experienced tons of emotions: shock, denial, anger, grief, sadness, depression and even happiness, yes I said, happiness. You see with lymphoma and the different treatment options we have for Stoli, Stoli can have good days and turn around and have a bad day. So it is like we are riding the roller coaster that never ends and I am not so sure I want it to because we all know what happens when the ride stops. :( He seems to be more lethargic in the mornings but by time early afternoon rolls around, he is ready for his walk and ready to do whatever "it" is that he does. :)

Lately, his biggest thing is to sit out in the yard and "stalk" the kitty next door. The kitty next door is, how do I say this gently....... a terror. Zipping in and out of the weeds and preying on little creatures around the lake. Stoli used to just sit and watch the kitty but now he wants to actually join in on the mischief. On Sunday night, there was quite a commotion going on around the lake. Apparently, the kitty had "something" trapped and Stoli wanted out of the fence and was barking up a storm (which he NEVER does) and was pawing at the fence to get out (again, which he NEVER does). All of the neighbors were standing on their decks laughing at the sight. Kevin and I just looked at each other, hugged and grinned. It was good to see Stoli with so much energy.

Even though he may not have a lot of time left with us, the quality of his life will be the greatest, if we have anything to do with it. Please continue to say prayers for our emotional strength. We sure do need them.

~ Elizabeth