Thanks for all of your caring comments, emails, and phone calls about little Agnes Rosebud. I'm sorry I didn't answer them all, I just really didn't want to talk about it much, but I did appreciate your thoughtfulness. And thanks for trying to make me let go of the guilt.  I'm still just sick about my carelessness.

As much as I miss the tiny pup, her Dog Mom misses her even more. At first Twinkle was in a panic and searched everywhere for her.  I hate to say this, and must warn you to skip this next sentence if you are squeamish, but we had to disinter Aggie to show Twinkle where she was.  That really did calm Tinks down and stopped her frantic searching.

Then, she was extremely needy for a while, but now, this is all she does.  No more scampering around with her little best friend, the two of them at my heels no matter where I am or what I'm doing, both looking up at me with those inquisitive, terrier eyes, wanting to know what fun thing will happen next. Will I sit at my desk? Will I be turning on the TV?  Oh, heavens, could I be opening the DOOR?????  Could I be eating something that has crumbs??

Yes, they were so funny and so happy all the time, and thought that any move I made was endlessly fascinating.   They even appreciated my singing and couldn't wait to hear the next line of any song I made up.

But now, Rosey is gone and Twinkle won't leave her pillow. Its so sad. 

I'm not ready for a new dog, a "replacement" dog just doesn't feel right.  But even if I'm not ready, I think I need to get a dog for Twinkle.  She is lonely and depressed. We'll see. I don't know if I could give my heart to a puppy yet. 

We'll lavish lots of extra love on Tinks for now, and I'll keep my eye out for a new pet for her.

Sweet little Agnes was killed by a car last week, on her 2nd birthday.  I miss her terribly.

 Yorkies are a fiesty little breed, and often think that they are big dogs. Well, not this sprite. She always knew she was a teensy thing and wanted to be near me to watch out for her.  I let her down by not making sure she was safe, we were in the driveway, carrying stuff to the garage and she ran down the drive way, and right out in front of a car.

Here she is on last year's birthday.

A few months ago we had four little furry kiddos, Bookie was put down in the fall, due to canine dementia. Sparkle's kidney's failed while Sugarwings was in the hospital after surgery for her broken arm. 

But those two had led very full, very happy lives.  Tiny Ages Rosebud was just at the beginning of hers.

This picture is when she was about three weeks old.

There is something extra special about raising a puppy from the day they were born.  I've had lots of dogs in my life, and know they give boundless love, whether they are a full grown stray, or a rambunctious baby when you get them.  But I've had two dogs that were born here and that makes such a strong bond.   Agnes never knew any other home and I was her "person" from the moment she could waddle out of her nest and into my hands.

Being everything to a pet is a big responsibility, we had a deal that I didn't keep my end of. She gave me her full and complete heart, and I was supposed to keep her safe and treasured for a lifetime.

 She was certainly treasured, but I failed to keep her safe.  We have 10 acres and I tend to let the dogs run around outside with me, never alone, but I do let them out when I'm in the yard and let them visit their neighbor, Holden, who Agnes had a big crush on.

She'd never had a leash on in her whole two years. I always knew she wouldn't leave, that she and Twinkle would not run off, they'd visit their friend behind our house, they'd sniff for bunnies, they'd joyfully run back to me to tell me with bright eyes and pouncing little bodies, all about where they'd been.

I took for granted that they'd both always come back. 

I shouldn't have.  Since a stranger picked up Twinkle a couple years back and she was gone for over a week till returned, I vowed to be a better pet owner and I really tried to always keep my eye on them, and they did not ever go outside without me. If kids left doors or gates open and the dogs were loose, I'd throw a little hissy fit and tell them to be careful.

But I spend a lot of time outdoors, and the dogs always go with me.  Never with a leash.  And this time, she dashed out to the street. I didn't protect her.