[caseygina]

Hi everyone,
It's been a few days. I am glad to see everyone is doing pretty well, had good weekends and good vet news!! It's been an interesting week...we have been getting the house back to "pre dx" condition and I hate it. It was weird sleeping in our bed after two months without Riley being there...we had been sleeping on a mattress with her downstairs once she was diagnosed. We haven't put her food bowl or any of her toys away, we are just not at that point yet. Baby steps here. Last Friday we were at my brother-in-law's and my 4 year old niece asked me why we don't have a pet anymore. I didn't understand her question at first and then she said "Riley-why don't you have a pet anymore." I got so choked up, I couldn't answer her. My brother in law heard what she asked and had her sit with him. I guess my brother in law and sister in law told her that Riley had died, and when she asked where she went, they told her Heaven-that is where all pets go. So that's why she phrased it the way she did-usually she always asks where Riley is, or where her "part time doggie is." It will be tough next weekend when we go down the shore for Memorial Day-our first time without Riley-we've been going down there with her since we got her, March 2000.

Laurie, we will eventually get another dog. We have already decided that we can't not have one-we briefly touch on the subject every once in a while, but we're not ready for that yet. My husband has had a dog pretty much his whole entire life, and I have fallen in love with dogs since we got Riley. No one could ever or will ever replace Riley, but we do have love for another one.

Mike-I hear what you are saying about people asking us about another dog. It's like, let us grieve over the loss of Riley. Everyone does things different, but Riley was one of a kind and we can't just replace her. I have to laugh, one of our friends referred to her when offering their condolences as our "furry child." That is exactly what she was-and so much more.

Here is hoping everyone continues to do well. I am keeping you and your babies in my thoughts and prayers.

Gina