9 Week Old Therapy Dog & a holiday loss

[Shoney & Ruby]

Last Wednesday night we brought Ruby home. She snuggled the whole hour drive. She ate, went outside and settled down into her crate. Whimpered once, took her outside where she did her business.

On Thursday we got a call that my father-in-law, Don, had had a stroke. We went over to Assisted Living--with Ruby in her crate filled with toys. Don's health rapidly declined. We called hospice [angels!]. Then we camped out for the next 4 days at the assisted living center with our new puppy.

She was a joy--she got into the routine of going outside to pee and poop [no accidents], charmed the staff and residents alike, snuggled with everyone, learned to walk and run on the leash. When things got too intense she made us laugh.

On of my father-in-law's last words was "Puppy!" Said with such joy. He passed away peacefully last night. Ruby was an angel who helped us through the sad, challenging, incredible time.

Everyone agrees, this dog was born to be a therapy dog.

In memory of Dr. Don Christenson--doctor, father, brother, uncle, friend, WW II veteran. A kind man who gave so much. Sleep in peace Don.

[April S.]

So sorry for your loss.  What an amazing story you've shared. You have one very very special puppy and she is adorable.  

[Kathy Janes]

Adorable puppy and what a wonderful story.  Thank you for sharing!

[SoSa]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post. Ruby is beautiful.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm very sorry for your loss, and I very much appreciate the touching story you have told. Dogs truly are special and they can bring us so much comfort during hard times.

[Karen Thornton]

As I write this I am loosing my mom to a battle with Ovarian Cancer.  My puppy Sage, arrived on December 18th 2014 after a 6 month wait. (I had put my Border Collie Sophie down in June after a long and happy relationship.)  I am so very glad that I have Sage to remind me of happy things and life.

[Karen Glassman]

Hi Shoney,

I read your post as I was signing up for Doodle Kisses. I wanted to write you then, but had to wait for my membership to be approved.

I just wanted to say, how comforting it must have been to have this new little life with you during those difficult days. Hugs to you and thank you for your friend request.

Your Ruby is adorable.

Karen

[Shoney & Ruby]

Thank you to Doodlekisses for all your kind words and support. On Sunday we will get in the car with Ruby and drive for a couple of days to Lone Pine, CA to lay Don to rest.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

So sorry for your loss and little Ruby was his angel looking after him and giving him some love.  Prayers and love to you and your family.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Big hugs to you. I know its hard to lose a loved one any time but it seems especially hard at Christmas. Ruby will help you all to smile thru it all!

[Rose]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Shoney. Ruby is precious.