Emotional few days....more to come!

The time has come for us to start make big decisions....if going to seminary and moving wasn't big enough!! Due to pet policy at Wartburg, we could not take both dogs with us. So after much prayer and talking, we decided to keep Dallas and give Chester to Paul's aunt and uncle who live in Edgewood. That was a tough decision, but we know how good this new family will be for Chester. Sunday was the day set up to give Chester to his new family. We knew it would be hard, but didn't realize it would be that hard. He's going to be happy and have many opportunities to be on the farm and enjoy life much better. With all the transitions of seminary over the next 4 years and moving to a new place, Chester needed something more stable. Thank you Cathy and Lary!!! We said goodbye to Chester on Sunday. Monday (yesterday) we woke up and had to say goodbye to Dallas. For 48 hours, Dallas went down hill, He couldn't walk on his back legs, slowly lost his appetite and energy, Paul carried him up and down the stairs to eat and go potty, he laid around and wouldn't move much, and most of all he cried all night long Sunday night. We knew it was time to let him go and put him to sleep! UGH!!! After 2 conversations with the vet, it came down to quality of life. Dallas was not Dallas anymore and it hurt us. We couldn't see him suffer much longer.

Dallas was my faithful, loyal companion for 8 years. For his age, he was still quite hyper but I miss that. For all the times he barked, hit me with his wild tail, and fought with Chester...I miss that. Every step I took, Dallas was always right there. He laid at my feet many times just so I knew he was there. I did laundry last night and it hit me hard that Dallas was not going up and down the stairs with me. He never left my side. For the last 6 months, Dallas has not really wanted to be social with our family or Chester. Dallas was my first dog ever and its been hard to let him go. I know he's not suffering anymore but wow was it a hard decision.

I'm thankful for the love and support of Paul. I couldn't have done something like this without him right by my side. Both dogs had their good and bad qualities and we are greiving. Last night was hard for me and I didn't sleep much as it was the first night without both dogs. It was hard to get ready for work because I had no responsibilities to take care of the dogs before work.

Well, this is the first of many tears, hurt, pain, and sadness as we make transitions in our life and get ready to move to Dubuque. It's all a part of God's plans we know, but that doesn't change are pain and hurt. Time will help heal our wounds and knowing how much better of a life Chester will have also helps. We look forward to seeing Chester some day and hearing stories about how he's doing. Chester doesn't know that Dallas is gone and we know they miss each other.

Here's to you Dallas for 8 wonderful years and Chester we are so happy for you!!! Enjoy the farm and your new family! We were blessed to have them both together as a part of our family for 2 years. Thanks be to God!