I Never Thought I Would Grieve Over Dog Poop...

But I did.  I was cleaning up the backyard, when I noticed a pattern in the leaf piles where the dogs do their business.  Three of the leaf piles weren't being used and these three used to be busy spots for Fiona and Zappa (Back Dogs). And there were piles that had never been used now getting some attention.



There has been a definite shift since Brut has been gone almost a year.

I have leaf piles on the outer perimeter of the yard and Brut and Silver used the back part of the yard, while Zappa and Fiona took on the ones closer to the house.  Now the Back Dog Trio, Silver, Zappa and Fiona are all taking to the back of the yard ever since our last snowfall.

And I took it pretty hard.  It was another confirmation that Brut was really gone.

Since Brut died last year at the beginning of the summer nothing much changed.  We were all in shock, but as time has past, the Back Dogs, have been finding their place without their leader and it looks like they have come to terms with their new life as three.

Another sign of the times for the 24 Paws of Love.

Black/White Sunday- 3 Paws Crossed for You

Thanks to our host:

Brut Thursday- A year ago this month

It was a year ago this month that we began what would be our last Earthly journey with Brut.  His bloody eye was only the sign of the tumor on his spleen that was bleeding into his abdomen.

This picture was taken 18 days before he died.  And my heart has never stopped feeling the loss, if it ever will.

Brut was the best of dogs and the worst of dogs, but he was always real.  Everything he taught me changed the way I think of dogs and my relationship to them.  He went against the grain and I loved that about him.

Brut was so proud of who he was, he never coward behind anyone or made excuses for being himself.  He was strong and true to his word and he taught me the beauty of his language.

He was too smart for his own fur and never turned down a challenge.  Whether it was one of his kids or me.  Brut was conniving and witty which he used to his charm and humor.  That boy understood his intelligence and was the only one who could make me laugh some days.

Brut was a bastard.  He kept a tight paw about what he wanted and didn't want and anyone crossing that line paid for it.  He also knew remorse when he'd pushed that button too far.

We understood each other.  Something I miss terribly of him.  He was the dog that really got me and I him.  Somewhere in canine heaven Brut is smiling down at this knowing exactly what I mean.  I'm a better dog mom because of Brut and I am proud to have had the honor of knowing this spiritual dog.

Somewhere up there is a star with Brut's name on it, shining for all to see.

Love ya Bruter boy!

Wordless Wednesday-Advice from a Dog

Our wonderful neighbor gave us this frame with one of our own Christmas cards after finding out that Brut died.  Good advice and words to live by from those furry paws we love so much.

"Find It" Game in April Snow

or watch on YouTube

Wordless Wednesday-Got Milk?

Chance has milk...

Do you?