zoe

Seven years ago, Jon and I went to a breeder specifically looking for a black male puppy. Somehow, by the end of the visit, it was very clear that the sassy yellow runt was going to be the one coming home with us. Over the years, Zoe has been almost everywhere with us, traveling all over New England, swimming in lakes, rivers, oceans and even swimming pools :) She has been the very best and loyal friend to us all- especially to Oliver, with whom she shared an extra special bond.

Six days ago, after a few weeks of declining health, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. We were able to take her home and absolutely shower her with love and spoil her like we never have before. She was able to run around the yard with her best friend Lulu, she got to play with Ollie and the garden hose, and she got some serious loving from all of us.

Last night, Jon and I carried her into the vet where she died in our arms. It was fucking brutal. I'm sorry for the language... but it was fucking. brutal. There's no other way to describe what the experience was like. But still, I'm thankful that we were able to be there, to hold her and talk to her and pet her. There was a beauty in that: holding the sweet little girl that we fell so head-over-heels in love with those seven years ago while she fell asleep and ended her suffering.

Thank you to everyone who has helped out these past few weeks, especially Frank and Linda. And to my brother and sister who sent and suggested books to read to our kids. (Haven't been able to get through Dog Heaven on my own without crumpling yet, but I'm sure it will help us all once I can.)

Today my heart is broken. I imagine it will be for quite some time as we adjust to life without our Zoe-girl.