Happy Birthday Riley...

Last week we celebrated this handsome boy’s birthday. He is my constant, my little shadow and where I am, he is. I know we don’t have too much time left together, the days and nights are getting harder. He sleeps all the time now and his comfort and dignity are my priority. His back legs are going and aren’t supporting him so well anymore and he no longer wants to leave the house. Not even to go into our garden anymore and this has been a big shift in his little world. He also won’t come down the back step to greet me anymore when I get home, he waits at the top, throws his head back and howls his hellos. Truly the highlight to every homecoming.

He’s been one of those dogs who seemed to have a soul connection with all of us at different times. The last few years, he has been my dog, that might have to do with him being vulnerable in his old age and he knows I’m the Momma but whatever it is, it has been such an honor having him as my little sidekick. I do believe dogs are the true empaths of the world and he has the most tender heart. He has been the best dog with the biggest soul and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. As I prepare my heart for what’s coming next, as much as is what is humanly possible, I do know this, when he departs this world, he will be going with a big part of my heart, in fact, all of ours.