angie girl

we got devastating news yesterday that our sweet old dog, angie (angelica), only has a couple more weeks with our family. she has swelling in her face and neck that developed overnight. we brought her in to the vet who said the swelling is edema, which results from her body no longer metabolizing properly. her abdomen is distended and her face is so swollen it makes her look like a completely different dog. the doctor diagnosed it as multiple organ failure, most likely the liver and kidneys, and possibly lymphoma. we opted out of (and the doctor actually discouraged) further testing to determine the cause because whether we find out or not, as much as it pains us, we won't be able to help her.

she was shawn's loyal best friend long before we even met - a chesapeake bay retriever about 12-13 years old. she's lived a long life and we take comfort in knowing that in her last days, she was surrounded in love with our boys and family and had little cooper as a faithful playmate. 

we are all thankful for angie and for the place she took in our family. she is teaching us all a beautiful lesson about life, love, family and death - a lesson that is a difficult one, no matter how old we are. it's a difficult reminder that tomorrow is never certain, so always, always love wholeheartedly.

we are going to spend these last few days with her and she will be put to sleep next week. we will have her cremated and her remains will be spread across shawn's property in san luis obispo - the only place where she was able to run freely and live the hunting life that is meant for her.

it will take time for our hearts to heal, but one thing is for sure - our family will never, ever be the same. 

we love you, angie girl.