Two weeks ago today we lost our beloved Max. I was so devastated that I couldn’t even mention it in my writing. He was only eight years old, and had been seemingly fine and healthy. On Friday he had his annual checkup and shots. On Saturday he went for a walk with my husband – one of his very favorite things to do – and ate his dinner. He greeted our friends who had come over for cioppino that evening, then laid on the couch (yes, we spoiled him) while we ate. When we let him outside after dinner, he seemed unable to walk back inside. Within 2 hours he would be dead from heart failure, most likely due to a large heart tumor that we were unaware he had. I know everyone says this, but he was the best dog ever, the sweetest thing you could ever meet. I’ve never met a more loving animal, and I’ve been heartbroken at our loss.But life does go on after death, and fortunately puppies seem to help the healing. This afternoon I’ll be visiting this litter to pick out one. They’re only two weeks old right now, so they’ll stay at the farm for awhile longer. How many times do you think I’ll drive up there to visit between now and June when we bring our puppy home?!?!?!?!

Max, you’ll always be missed – we loved you and hope you knew that.