#LifeWithLuke

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this sweet boy tonight. I’ve debated back & forth on whether to say anything at all, for a few reasons.

The first being, I attended the funeral of an incredible man just two days ago. My precious friend lost her father & two grandfathers within the past two weeks. It puts losing a dog into perspective.

Secondly, I don’t really want to get into the reasons behind the decision publicly. Suffice it to say, its necessary and all other reasonable options have been exhausted.

I spoke with Dave at Sit Means Sit dog training. He was gracious enough to listen & advise me regarding the situation, despite my inability to pay for training. He confirmed that I’m making the right decision. It doesn’t make it any easier, but it helps to hear it from an expert. I appreciate his time so much. If your dog needs training, please help me pay it forward by referring you to Dave.

This breaks my heart. I don’t really want to talk about it. However, so many people have been following my Luke story, that I feel its important to include them in the ending.

If you know me at all, you know being a dog-owner has never been high on my list of desires. I don’t have the time or financial resources to invest in a pet, I don’t like picking up dog-poo, and I have very little knowledge when it comes to doing this dog-thing well. However, after 3 1/2 years with our family, it became necessary for Luke to find a new home. I couldn’t bear to see him go, so I welcomed him into mine just under a month ago. You wouldn’t think an animal I didn’t want could make such an impression in a few short weeks, but to say I’m devastated is an understatement. I’m really going to miss this dude.

Let me tell you some of the sweet & wonderful things about Luke.

• He’s REALLY good for me. There was some initial boundary testing. He hates when I leave for work & tried to protest a few times by refusing to come in before I had to go, but we’ve worked it out. He’s very obedient.
• He’s completely house trained. I’ve never had to clean up  mess in the house. He used to snag food off the counter or out of the trash, but I’ve never had a problem here. He even stays off the furniture.
• When I leave, he runs up the stairs, puts his little feet in window box & watches me go. Its really cute.
• He’s a gentleman. He prefers to walk on the outside of the street, so he gets splashed instead of me when we’re walking. I’m pretty sure that’s his intent anyway.
• He protects me. He makes would-be intruders well aware of his presence. If someone were to make a move, I’m certain Luke would save the day.
• He loves me. He prefers to be in whichever room I’m in, and normally will only eat if I stay in the kitchen with him. He’s my buddy.
• He gives me great hugs when I get home everyday.

Tomorrow is going to be difficult. Tonight is excruciating. I’ll give him all the loving I can before I leave for work. My brother will pick him up and take him to the vet later that morning. I’m grateful that Josh will sit with him for me. I’m not looking forward to returning to a Luke-free home; to packing up his things; to moving on without him. I know its the right thing, I know its what must be done. It breaks my heart to do it.

I miss you already sweet puppy…

Bring on the ugly cry.