If my Kaylee dog could talk……she would say….  “It’s ok mama, I’m ready……It’s ok mama, you saved my life a long time ago……”

I know she would say that because she has been my girl for the last 13 years.   I know what she’s feeling, and I have known for a while now that her time was coming near.   I know some people might think its silly or strange to blog about this, but I’m not a great scrapbooker, or keeper of treasures…. I have this special blog where I know one day Gracie can read everything about our little family.   This is a place I can come back to anytime I want and see special things about our life.  Gracie’s milestones…. and heck… Kaylee was my first model when I got my first DSLR camera.

I also know most people have lost a pet.   Knowing when it is time to let them go can be the hardest decision to make.   I want to share Kaylee’s story.   I love her story.   And if one person goes out and rescues a dog because of Kaylee’s story then that is even more amazing and worth sharing.

I adopted Kaylee in 2002.   She was next to be put down at the shelter.   No one wanted her.   They literally had her put-down date posted on her kennel cell if no one adopted her, she was next in line they said.    I loved her before I knew that, but then I knew I HAD to adopt her.    The vets thought she was about 3 years old.   That made her about 16 today.

I was a sophomore in college at the time, and the rest was history.  Kaylee was clearly mistreated, and had such a quirky shy personality, she had never been on a leash or in a car.   She moved 8 different times with me over the years.  She was my perfect dog match no doubt.  She slowly gained her confidence.   The majority of our years together she even slept under the covers in my bed.   I always said I would have a hard time ever getting another dog because I just can’t imagine loving them like I did Kaylee.   This is incredibly cheesy but when people would tell me that I was a great person for saving her life, sometimes  I really felt like she saved mine.   (dog owners you get that! ).   Going through your 20s can be a crazy time, not always easy,  and I’m so grateful that I had her for that part of my life.

In 2011 Kaylee faced a pretty serious surgery, we didn’t even know if she would make it back then.  After Mark and I married in 2012 the family was now made up of Kaylee and our bulldog Puck.    Things were a little more difficult when we had a baby.   Two elderly dogs and a baby can be tough stuff.   Kaylee was old already, but she just seemed to age even faster….when I looked at these old pictures today I couldn’t believe how much she has aged…. today she was all grey…I had almost forgotten how brown her face used to be.

I have always been passionate about rescue dogs….. but now more than ever I realize how great it was to take a dog, who no one wanted, and give her the best life possible.

I have to say… while I have not been in much of a mood to talk with people about it, all the memories and sweet words that people shared on Facebook was so great to read.  I especially loved hearing from my old college pals who had some great memories of her.   Thanks y’all!!!!

I also wanted to say thank you to my husband for being my rock during this hard time.  Thanks for loving her so much.   Thanks for letting her in the bed all those years, and for giving her the best doggie baths, and also for helping clean up after her in these really tough years.

We will miss you sweet girl.