For those that don't have the pleasure of knowing Blue, Blue is our 13 year old dog. A dear friend of mine, Beth, gave Blue to me 12 years ago when I was carefree and single. Blue and I bonded quickly and spent many a days walking and spending quality time together. Then along came my hubby. Blue and he were instant friends! My hubby is the one that taught him how to "Stay"; I'd like to think that I taught him everything else.
Blue has been with me through every joy and sorrow in my life these past 13 years. He has experienced the heartache of dating, the joy of finding the right one, the blessing of marriage, the sadness of infertility, the fear of life threatening health issues, the many challenges of job changes, the amazing gift of finding our daughter through adoption, and the joys of having a child (at least from our end; maybe not his all the time). He has traveled and experienced many things! He is an experienced camper and backpacker and he has never turned down an opportunity to be with us doing something fun.
He has had his own share of challenges over the years. Back in 2004 when I was laid up with health issues Blue got out of the yard and was later found down the street in the creek. We were never really sure what happened, but now he has a plate and pins in his right fore leg and has a left ankle that has probably never quite healed right. Blue and I recovered together those few weeks and spent much time just being glad we were alive!
Today, Blue is a tired old dog with a lot of life still in him. He now has arthritis, yet you would never know it some days the way he runs around the yard. He has a thyroid condition which makes him sleep a lot. He can't hear and is blind in one eye, but somehow, if someone he knows is pulling in the driveway he runs to the door barking with glee!
The plan for Blue: When I first found out we were moving my first thought was Blue. We had thought we would take him with us, but the thought of having him sit in a kennel for 3 months in quarantine seemed cruel. (Blue has only been kenneled once) Not to mention the 20+ hour flight there. I have cried, prayed and deliberated over this for weeks. My heart still aches knowing that I won't have my best dog friend with me on this amazing adventure. As I write this I have tears in my eyes. So, setting aside my selfishness, we have decided to leave Blue with my parents. Blue and my Dad are great friends. They are two peas in a pod! Blue will have a relaxing life with someone who cares about him. He will have lots of room to run and play; not to mention, he will get to play in the snow. (One of his favorite things!) We will be home to visit and will be skyping with Blue (and my parents) often. I love you Blue and will miss you!
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