Dear Greta

 Has it really been two years since that day my heart broke in a million pieces?  

You fought so hard to stay with us 

but the toxins from that nasty mushroom you ate 3 days earlier won the fight. 

Cause of death - acute fulminating liver toxicosis - 

at the tender age of 2 1/2.  

Sadness took over my world. Even with the arrival of  Mabel a few months later - 

the sadness stayed - life goes on - but the sadness was always there, 
just underneath the surface.

I did not really talk about it - it was just the way it was. It seemed I needed to get past the first anniversary of your leaving to start to let the sadness go.

I still tear up when I think of you, I always will - we loved each other so. You were such a handfull but you taught me so much about patience and perseverance in your short time with us - and I am a better pet parent because of you.

 Your leaving left such a huge hole and although I knew that a new pup would help heal my heart - I was scared. Scared the pup would not take to training in obedience, what if  the pup was as naughty as you - oh dear God! - what if the pup did not love me like you did - and the worst worry - what if I could not love a new pup because she wasn't you.

My Dear Greta - you showed us the way - we had looked at some puppies online but none felt right.  Then I saw a picture of Mabel's mom and in her eyes I saw you. There were two girls - one smaller and darker - like you. And when a picture came with a comment - "she was the most stubborn for pictures"  - it was like you were speaking to my heart - "she's the one" you said.

  And now when I look in Mabel's eyes  - I not only see Mabel's love - I also see you.  It is like your spirit shines through her and you are one.   Am I crazy to think that??

Mabel is so smart and full of personality - just like you were. She runs like the wind - just like you did. Oh Greta forgive me but thank goodness she is not as intense and naughty as you were - although she has her moments. No -  Mabel is not you - but I love her just as much - thank you for guiding us to her and for showing me through Mabel that you are forever with us. Forever in my heart. 

For those of you who may be newer friends

 I would love it if you would read the tribute to my special girl

Greta Pug Munchskin - Truly One of a Kind

And if any are interested this link takes you to an imformative article about the effects of Toxic Mushrooms  
dogs/dog-health/pets-poisonous-mushrooms

We are the PugRanch Kids

Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

Tea on Wednesday

Christmas at Paw Province is having a tea party today

Hope to see you there!

We are the PugRanch Kids

Bailey, Hazel & Mabel