(click any photos to enlarge)
This photo was taken on a warm September day several years ago. Life was good... the sun was shining, a gentle breeze was blowing in through the open window, the house was clean (heck, there were even fresh flowers in the vase, and that doesn't happen often in this house!)... But most of all, these three sweet fur babies were still with us. I love this photo of the three of them together... Little Ms. Giz on the sofa, my Mr. B curled up in the wing chair, and our handsome gentleman, Mr. Malley, in the foreground. I never imagined when I snapped this photo that we would lose all three of them within six months of each other...
(The "please give me a bellyrub" pose)
Our handsome Mr. O'Malley was the first to leave us in September of 2007.
(The "is there anything better than sunning oneself?" pose)
Three months later, in December of 2007, my handsome Mr. B left us...
(The "Mommy, will I ever grow into my ears?" pose)
And three months after that, in March of 2008, we lost our precious Ms. Gizmo...
I know that most of you who read this blog are animal lovers, just like me... I know that each of you have most likely experienced the tremendous heartache that accompanies the loss of a pet... And like me, I'm sure that the incredible bond of love between human and fur baby, and the incredible joy they brought to our homes and our lives is what sustains us during that loss... Countless tears were shed by our family over the loss of each of these beautiful creatures. We speak of them often and miss them terribly. But they gave us so much during their time with us.
And they taught us so much throughout their short time here on earth.
Animals truly enjoy life in the here and now - they don't fret about the past or worry about the future - they enjoy the present, and the gift that it truly is. They don't complain or grumble. They'd love nothing more than to spend 24-7 with their humans, but even when that's not always possible, they're still so grateful for even the quick pat on the head or the small treat tossed their way because they appreciate every gesture, big or small...
I want to be a better person this year - less complaining, more grateful and appreciative. I want to be more like my wonderful friends pictured above..
Donna