Goodbye April

Happy Saturday night everyone! I'm writing my blog a day early as we're off to a dog show early tomorrow morning. We haven't been to one of those in ages. It will be fun and a few Havanese dogs will be in the ring. 

This past week was good. Our weather was nice for the most part, a little on the cool side but it's warming up now. We dethatched our lawn, front and back. We filled up 8 bags of dead grass. That night it rained and it really perked up the grass. We bought a Sun Joe Dethatcher a few years ago, it works really well. 

On Tuesday, we had another visit with some cute Havanese puppies. It was wonderful and it felt good. Russell got himself a new grooming tub. It will be installed in our laundry room in a week or two. Grooming will be much easier on Russell's knees and back. 

Our new Palisade has arrived. We will pick it up on Tuesday. Yesterday, we went to the dealership to get the paperwork done. We had to bring our current car registration.....and realized that, for the past four years, we were carrying a registration that expired in October 2020. It didn't dawn on me that the yearly renewal invoice came with the new registration slip. How silly of me.  Thanks to my good filing system, I was able to find the current one right away.  

Our birds have been really busy. For the past few days, we have observed the Cardinals feeding each other. It is so cute to watch. Yesterday, we saw a Pileated Woodpecker on one of our trees. What a beauty!  We also have quite a few Norther Flickers. 

That's my blog for today. I leave you with some cute photos of Cooper and Spicy, one dating back to 2014. We look at our library of photos all the time. They bring back heartwarming memories of our one of a kind duo. Always in our hearts 💕

This coming Thursday, I have a long overdue lunch with Lise and Diane. We will have a lot of catching up to do! Have a great week everyone!

Cooper was intrigued with this frog he found in 
our yard in Huntsville, June 24, 2014.

Riding in style was the only way that
Cooper travelled at Jasmin 
Garden Center, May 11, 2017

Cooper enjoyed his time on the pontoon boat,
 sitting pretty on my knees June 30, 2015.

Spicy was a wonderful registered therapy dog,
she is modelling her vest September 30, 2018.

Spicy and Cooper on the deck, paws up
with eyes on the prize, August 1, 2017.

April Blooms

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a little on the cool side this morning. I find it's taking a while for the warm weather to come and stay for good. Despite the coolish weather, everything is blooming as it should. 

This past week was good. Our days are much brighter now and the deep sadness of the past few months is mostly behind us. Cooper and Spicy are in our hearts daily and we talk about them often. We always will. Our digital photo frame is filled with hundreds of their photos. Wonderful memories 💕

Russell had the snow tires removed on Monday. The four year lease on our Palisade is coming up in July. Given the low mileage, 18,000 km, we opted to lease a new 2024 Palisade instead of buying the old one. It should arrive in the next few weeks. We have been really happy with that SUV. It is one of the safest vehicles we've had in a long time. 

We had lunch with friends on Wednesday. It was a good way to get through hump day. We shared some good laughs and stories. 

Yesterday, we got some work done outside. Russell washed all the windows and eavestroughs. He also cleaned the gutters and washed the garage door. He's the best window washer in town! I did the garden cleanup, raked some leaves and removed the cover on the VegTrug. Next on our list is to dethatch the lawn.  We also smoked our first batch of cheese, a Monterey Jack and an Austrian Emmenthal. We sat on the deck for a few hours and enjoyed the wonderful aroma of applewood smoke. 

Before I end my weekly news report, I want to share a little bit of information about cholesterol testing, in my own layman's terms. Every year, I have a full blood panel done, including lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL). Those tests do not usually include measuring the Lipoprotein (a) levels. Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a) for short, is a lot like LDL cholesterol  (bad cholesterol) but it is more "sticky" and is usually passed on in our genes. A high level of Lp(a) means a higher risk for heart and blood vessel disease even if all other cholesterol levels are normal, which mine are. What is interesting is that by the age of 5, we should have our "adult level" of Lp(a) and it tends to remain the same for the rest of our lives. So, this test is usually done only once. Although not new, this additional blood work is now recommended by many doctors. On the advice of mine, I had it done last week. I'm glad I did and I'm happy to say that my Lp(a) levels are normal. That's my little public service announcement for this week.

That's my blog for today. I leave you with some cute throwback photos of Cooper and Spicy on our deck.They loved that space. Have a great week everyone!

Cooper and Spicy loved their deck
time...here they are waiting to go 
downstairs for a romp, May 24, 2021.

Spicy laying down while on watch, and
Cooper checks in with us, May 29, 2021.

Up up and away, there must
be treats up there....
Jul 11, 2022.

It was a great week

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a beautiful sunny morning, the kind that makes me smile. 

This past week was great. It started with the amazing solar eclipse on Monday. We couldn't have had a better day to watch it. We sat on our deck all afternoon, waiting for the magical moment, which didn't disappoint. We could see a distinct change in the colour of the atmosphere and of course a drop in the temperature. A beautiful phenomenon 🌑🌞 It was our first time sitting on our deck this season. That was also nice, although we missed the presence of Cooper and Spicy. They never leave our hearts 💕

Tuesday was a special day. We spent the better part of the afternoon playing with Havanese puppies of all ages. The wheels are in motion for us to get another pooch (or two) in the not so distant future. Cooper and Spicy have taught us so much about love, life and happiness. We are ready to embrace it all again. We are leaving you with that bit of news for now.

Spring has sprung everywhere. The trees are blossoming, our perennials are popping up, our grass is very green. We got some yard work done last week but we have lots more to do. Tomorrow, Russell gets the snow tires removed. 

The regular hockey season is coming to an end. The Habs have two more games to play. They will not make the playoffs but it's been a good season nonetheless. It's been fun exchanging messages with my friend Linda during games. 

Yesterday, I made a moussaka for dinner. It was the best ever. It's a bit involved but it's all worth it. We're slowly moving away from "Winter" meals. I'm somewhat of a seasonal cook. I especially love what Spring and Summer offer in terms of fruits and vegetables for cooking. We will also be smoking cheese soon. Yum!

That's our little news for today's blog. I leave you with two photos that I took of our backyard during the eclipse and a few throwback photos of our duo. Have a great week everyone!

A breezy day at Edgewater Park for Spicy and
Cooper perched on their favourite boulder 
April 20, 2022.

The dynamic duo loved to assist me with my
morning workouts, April 23, 2021.

The eclipse at the moment of totality in our
backyard, captured at 3:26 PM, April 8th, 2024.

....and just like that, 2 minutes later at 3:28 PM
everything returned to full daylight.

Once in a lifetime

Happy Sunday everyone! We've been up since 5:30 am. It's a beautiful morning. The next few days are looking very sunny and warm, especially tomorrow for this once in a lifetime event, the total eclipse of the sun. 

This past week was good. We had some nice walks, I had a couple of workouts. I reorganized some closets and disposed of some things (donations). On Thursday, we got a lot of snow, about 20 cm of the white stuff. It was very wet and heavy, the kind that would have stuck to Cooper and Spicy's coats. We only shovelled our front walk. Our snow service, which ended on April 1, gave us a courtesy pass. It all melted very quickly. Our backyard is back to grass and is looking greener. 

We were supposed to go to a sugar shack to celebrate Errol's birthday. That got cancelled due to the weather.  Instead, we got some Spring cleaning done. Russell washed all the inside windows. I washed the living room sheer curtains. As we were pulling back the leather sofa from the front window, we noticed the back of it was covered with nose drippings from our pooches. That made us smile. It was their favorite spot to keep an eye on the neighbourhood. They are always in our hearts 💕

We haven't landed on a travel spot yet. We're not sure what we want to do, where we want to go. We thought we knew, not anymore. We might just do little trips here and there. We have our nephew's destination wedding in Punta Cana on January 4. Nothing is booked yet, we are still waiting to hear from the wedding planner on rates, etc. This will all be dependent on the timing of Russell's knee replacement surgery. For now, we are just happy to stay home.

The weather is looking perfect for the eclipse tomorrow. Russell got us a pair of glasses. It will be fun to see if the neighbours are out and about on the street looking at it. 

With the nice weather forecasted for the next few days, we will get some yard work done,  clean up the deck and maybe sit out for a bit. 

That's my blog for today. My throwback photos take us back to my training days with Cooper and Spicy. I also have a pic that I took of the sky on Wednesday morning when I woke up. It was gorgeous. Have a great week everyone! Enjoy the eclipse if you're watching it. 🌞🌚

Morning sky on fire before the storm

Cooper was always up for training with me...
here we got 2nd place for our efforts on 
April 13, 2017.

Cooper and I, another proud moment captured on
April 13th, 2017.

Cooper was always very focused when in training...
April 13th, 2017.

Spicy was a real pistol at training, here we are
on December 10th, 2017.

A proud moment with the Spice girl...
December 10th, 2017.

 Beaconsfield is a neighbourhood watch
community thanks to Cooper and Spicy...
October 6th, 2018.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! May this day bring you joy, renewal and the warmth of Spring!

All is well with us. This past week was good and busy. First off, we got our taxes filed. Then, on Tuesday, we hopped on the train and went to Montreal....our first "seniors free transit ride". I didn't realize that the last station, Lucien L'allier, is at the Bell Centre! I can see a HABS game or two next season. That station will actually close as of tomorrow for six months for renovations so our next trip to the big city will either be by bus or we will take the train and get off at a different station. Russell will figure it out, I just follow.  Either way, it's an easy and relaxing way to travel.

We had hoped to get a bit of yard work done but that didn't happen. Our grass is starting to green up in spots and we can see where we will need to dethatch. All in good time. 

On Friday, Pauline and I went to Salon Rosie-Lanoi in Pointe-Claire village for "Afternoon Tea" although we went at 11 am. It was fun and we had great conversations. We have quite a bit in common but our talks mostly revolve around doggies. Pauline lost her precious Matisse early November.  She can relate to what we have been going through.

On that note, Russell and I are feeling better emotionally. We still have many moments of sadness but we are now smiling more at the memories of Cooper and Spicy. Easter is the first "holiday" since their passing and they are greatly missed. On a whim, I bought a 10 pound Butterball turkey for dinner tonight. That alone brought some sadness as we have always shared our turkey with our pooches. I don't think I have ever cooked a turkey that small! We will be thinking of them as we eat it 💕 

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is April 1. The first three months of the year have been hard for us. We look forward to the renewal that Spring will bring. 

I leave you with an Easter photo of our duo from 2018 as well as two throwback silly pics of them. Errol dropped off some nice tulips on Thursday. They brightened up our day. Thank you!

Have a Eggcellent Easter! Hoping the Coop and the Spice girl chase bunnies all day 💕

Easter 2018....Spicy and Cooper always willing
to pose for a good cause.

Spicy loved her top knot, this crazy one was from
May 31, 2019

Cooper loved modelling his Tilley rain hat,
this moment was captured April 6th, 2017 in 
Huntsville.

 

Lovely Easter tulips...thank you 
Errol. Happy Easter!

Hello Spring!

Happy Sunday everyone! We are finally getting some much needed sun today. We had some cold weather last week with a bit of snow yesterday, just enough to cover the grass. We are expecting Spring temps this week, just in time for Easter.

This past week was relatively good although Monday and Tuesday were not our best days. Once again, sadness sneaked up on us, with no warning. The weather was not good so that didn't help. On Tuesday, I came across a good article in the Montreal Gazette called Puppy Love. In a nutshell, it described the relationship between pets and humans. Although we didn't learn anything new, this article simply reinforced the fact that "our relationships with pets are often as strong, and sometimes stronger, than those we have with humans". This statement couldn't be more true for Russell and I. So, we take these moments of sadness as they come and let them be. Cooper and Spicy, always in our hearts 💕

Errol came for a bite to eat on Wednesday. He brought us a lovely Easter Lily, which brightened up our day. The flowers are so pretty.  

Russell and I had our monthly pedicure. Once again, I was able to walk out of the salon with flip flops, although it was a tad cold.

Spring might be slow to come but the male goldfinches are turning a bright yellow. The cardinals have also been busy. Lots of action around our bird feeders. It's nice to see.

Yesterday, we watched Oppenheimer. What a great movie! I wasn't sure I could stay put for three hours but it went by so fast. We can see why it dominated the Oscars. 

That's my blog for today. I leave you with two throwback photos of Cooper and Spicy. Since the tick season is upon us, I thought I would include one taken at our vet clinic a few years ago when we were picking up their tick meds. They always loved a visit to the vet. 

Have a great week everyone! I will write again on Easter Sunday!

A wonderful Easter Lily, thank you
Errol!

Cooper and Spicy waiting patiently at the vets, 
April 9th, 2018 - tick med season.

Spicy and Cooper on a Spring
stroll at Edgewater Park,
April 24th, 2021.

Top of the mornin to all!

Happy St-Paddy's Day! "May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home".

Our hearts are starting to feel lighter and our days are brighter. Cooper and Spicy are never far from our minds though. We talk about them many times throughout the days and reminisce about their antics. We continue to have moments of sadness every now and then, for no particular reason. When that happens, we just let the tears flow then we smile again.  We find Fridays particularly difficult as they left us on a Friday. That too shall pass.

It is a rainy day for us. There is not one snowflake on our property. The grass is brown and mucky in spots. This is the first time in 12 years that we don't have little paws to clean up at this time of year. We miss that. 

This past week was good. Russell saw his orthopedic surgeon on Monday. He really liked her. He is now officially on the wait list for a total left knee replacement. The wait time is between 9 and 12 months. Not bad at all. If needed, he can have one last cortisone infiltration in June. His surgery will be done as an outpatient. The technique now used provides for a quicker recovery with the least amount of pain medication. So, we wait.

We are now the proud holders of an OPUS card, a smart card for the greater Montreal transit system, which is free for anyone over 65. It works on trains, buses and the REM. We will be going places! 

My brother Francois turned 60 on Friday. Yesterday, we hosted a surprise dinner for him. Our nephews, James and Sean, and Julie, Sean's fiance came. It was a lovely evening. We also found out that Sean & Julie picked a wedding date....January 4, 2025, a destination wedding in Punta Cana. All things being equal, we will go although a lot will depend on the timing of Russell's surgery. We are happy for them. They are a lovely couple.

We have a busy week coming up with a few appointments here and there. The weather forecast is looking blah and on the cool side. 

That's my blog for today.  I will soon get ready to make an Irish stew for Russell. I'm not a big stew person so I will cook myself a piece of salmon with spinach...a little bit of greens.  I'm including a few photos from last night and of our little Leprechauns 💕🍀 Have a great week!

Spicy and Cooper's Irish eyes were smiling as 
they worn their finest on St. Paddy's Day 
March 17th, 2019.

Cooper was a classic poser and loved
St. Paddy's Day. This one captured on
March 17th, 2017 in Huntsville.

Happy Birthday Francois and 
welcome to Club 60! Make a wish!

Me, the Birthday Boy and our 
nephew James. Big smiles all
around!

Our nephew Sean and his lovely fiance, Julie.
Always a treat to see them.

 

Spring forward

Happy Sunday everyone! Well, we all made it to Daylight Saving Time! We just gained more daylight, more warmth, totally worth losing sleep over if you ask me. 

This past week was good and the weather was quite nice. Our snow was all gone until we woke up to a dusting this morning. It will be gone before we know it. We've been walking every day, morning and afternoon. On Tuesday, we walked to St- James Park by the waterfront. It was a balmy 12 celsius at 9:30 am. We sat on a bench and watched the loons having fun in the lake. We haven't gone back to the park where we used to walk Cooper and Spicy. One day we will, not just yet.

Friday marked four weeks since our little angels left us. It was probably one of our toughest days so far. This intense sadness hit us again but we got through it. Our hearts are starting to lighten up, we can feel it. People say that memories will make us smile again. Some memories do and some don't, not yet. Time will heal all wounds. We miss Cooper and Spicy every single day.

Our friends (and neighbours) Paul and Marie became grandparents on Monday. Exciting times for them and the entire family. Congratulations to all! Russell had lunch with his friend Brian on Wednesday. They went to high school together. It was nice for them to catch up. 

I worked out three times again, that's two weeks in a row, impressive LOL! As I was looking for throwback photos for this blog, I thought about how my workouts changed when the pandemic hit us. Up to that point, I was going to a gym, religiously. I then switched to online home workouts. We eventually bought a full set of dumbbells and an upright Schwinn stationary bicycle. Cooper and Spicy were always willing to be my workout partners and often helped with my weighted hip bridge and plank. This is one memory that makes us smile. 

There is not much on the go this week other than Russell seeing his orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. He is looking forward to that appointment. He will hopefully get a good sense of when his knee replacement surgery will be. 

That's my blog for today. Have a great week everyone and enjoy the extra daylight! 

Spring Forward, this doggie clock is a memory
from a visit to New York City.

Cooper provided just the right amount of extra
weight for my plank - March 20th, 2020.

Spicy enjoyed her time helping me do a hip
bridge - March 20th, 2020.

Cooper knew how to fly over the 
hurdles, he was in all his glory 
March 6th, 2021.

Not to be outdone, Spicy easily cleared the 
hurdles in hot pursuit of Cooper 
March 6th, 2021.

Hello March!

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a cloudy and gloomy day. It sure looks like Spring out there. Yesterday, I read that this is one of the mildest Winters in 150 years in Montreal. I found a photo taken on March 1, 2023 in our backyard. I took one in the same spot this year. What a difference a year makes.

Russell and I are still experiencing a whirlwind of emotions following the loss of Cooper and Spicy. Some days are better than others. We are smiling more at their memories but there are still lots of tears and deep sadness.  As the saying goes, this too shall pass, with time. They were an extraordinary duo and one of a kind in every way. They are leaving a void that simply cannot be filled 💕

Our week was somewhat busy. I worked out three times, so I'm happy about that. We went for some walks, even walked to our local Metro to buy a few things. On Wednesday, we had lunch with Pauline and talked trips. Our next adventure will most likely be in Puglia, Italy. The timing will depend on when Russell gets his new knee. He will meet with his surgeon on March 11 and should get a sense of the timing then. 

On Friday, we had lunch with Errol. It was nice to see him again. When we got home, there was a parcel waiting for us at the front door. It was from my good friend Lori, the human mommy of Scruffy and Pepper. She got us the most wonderful, comforting pillows with Cooper and Spicy's face on them, tongue out and all. A very thoughtful gift from someone who's been by my side, even from a distance, for many years.  Her pooches also have serious medical issues. I know all too well what she's going through. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this lovely gift 💝

Yesterday, we met up with Paulette and her husband as they were passing through Montreal. She used to work with Russell and they last saw each other 25 years ago. There was lots of catching up to do. 

We still wake up early. I'm the first one up, usually around 5:30. This morning, I put a pork shoulder in the slow cooker at 5:45. Russell woke up a bit later to the lovely aroma of asian flavours. It will be our dinner tomorrow night. Tonight, we're having meatballs and spaghetti. 

That's my blog for today. It is March break in Quebec this week. I feel sorry for the little kids as there is no snow to speak of, so outdoor activities will be limited. We are expecting some very mild temps this week. Have a great one everyone!

March 9th, 2019 Cooper and Spicy
tongues out giving me some love
on the bench in a snowy backyard.

Russell made it down the steps with
his new knee and the pooches gladly
posed with him - March 9th, 2019.

A lovely tribute to Cooper and Spicy from 
Lori, this will be cherished forever.

Winter March 1, 2023. The pathways
for Cooper and Spicy were very 
high with snowbanks, so tall it
was challenging to throw the snow
up.

Same backyard, same spot
what a difference a year makes,
March 1, 2024....where is the snow?

Brighter days ahead

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a bright and cold morning but warm days on the way this week. It's a time of year that I find so uplifting, more so now. At around 4 am for the past few weeks, we've been hearing the Cardinal mating call, one of the sweetest Spring sounds. 

Our days are slowly getting a little brighter. We are gradually learning to live with the emptiness that Cooper and Spicy have left behind but the pain is still there, every day. The tears are still flowing. Some days are better than others, it's hard to explain. We miss them all the time, there is not much more to say. They were our whole life 💔

This past week was a bit busy. On Tuesday, Wanda came over for a visit. She is helping us find a good place, be it a home or rescue, for the many beautiful things that our pooches had. It does our heart good to know this and we are grateful for her help. On Wednesday, I went to Eveline and Macey's house for coffee. Macey and Cooper were training buddies in our Fun Obedience Classes. Macey is a sweet Havanese. I gave her a snuggle but that's about all I could handle. It was hard. 

We are often asked if we will get another dog one day. The answer is "maybe" but it is much too soon for us to even think about it. We're just not ready. 

Russell and I both had a pedicure last week...a little bit of self care is always good for the soul. I normally don't get polish in the Winter months but I needed some colour on my toes. The weather was such that I was able to walk out of the salon with my flip flops, even better.

Our daily routine has changed and we are filling our days doing different things. We've been going for walks. I've been cooking a little more. I reorganized some of the kitchen cupboards. Tomorrow, I will resume my workouts. It's time. 

That's my blog for today. My brother is coming for lunch. It will be nice to see him again. On Wednesday, we're having lunch with Pauline.....we will talk trips. I leave you with two "throwback Sunday" photos. Have a great week everyone!

Cooper and Spicy were always ready to perform
for a treat...Russell and I were always
willing to indulge. 
February 24, 2018

Spicy and Cooper were ever ready 
to take to the trail...this time it 
was at Morgan Arboretum.
February 3, 2018

Back where they belong

Happy Sunday everyone! We are getting a little bit of snow at the moment, not much is expected. Russell and I were having a chuckle the other day about wishing for the biggest snowstorm, knowing I wouldn't have to shovel paths for our pooches.....it was only a chuckle as I would give anything to do it again for them. We miss seeing their little paw prints in the snow 💔

This past week was filled with waves of intense sadness. The pain of losing Cooper and Spicy is still raw but we know that time will turn our tears into smiles and warm memories. Yesterday, Dr. Mold brought them home with framed nose prints and all and that is giving us some sort of closure.  Our Coop and our Spice girl have a special place on our hallway hutch. We bought a digital photo frame which is filled with hundreds of their photos.  They will always be in our hearts. Their loss will be forever felt 💕

The heartfelt messages we've been getting from friends and neighbours have been overwhelming. We received a poignant note from Dr. Javard who looked after our Cooper for the past few years. We also received a beautiful card from Dr. Stiles and her team. Each wrote a little message that was so touching. Our pooches were loved by everyone who knew them. 

This past week also brought a birthday for Russell. It was a bittersweet day but we had a lovely time in Montreal despite the fact that the city is quite dead on Mondays ... we made our own noise. We were back home the next day at 9 am. Not much sleeping in for us. I still wake up, and get up, at 5:30 am, which is the time Coop got his first pill. 

I spent a good part of the week sorting through the MANY things that Cooper and Spicy had...beds, blankets, toys, treats, etc. I was always so afraid to run out of anything that I would buy two or three of everything.  We are keeping some of their favorite things such as Cooper's lamb chop, Spicy's fave blanket. I set aside a few items for some friends. On Tuesday, Wanda will come over and will help us with the donations to various shelters, rescues. It will do our hearts good to know that some items will go to those who need it the most. 

We are now empty nesters after sharing the past 12 years of our lives with Cooper and the past 7 years with Spicy. Their loss is life changing for us. We are slowly getting into a new routine. Our appetites haven't been the best and I haven't felt like cooking much although today I will make a roasted butternut squash soup. We are taking each day as it comes, no point in rushing things. Grieving is a process. We are blessed to have each other to lean on. 

That is today's blog. Moving forward, I will post a couple of old photos of our duo, kind of a "throwback Sunday" thing. Have a great week everyone! For many, it is Family Day. Enjoy!

Our tribute to Cooper and Spicy, nose prints,
paw prints, their ashes and an endless
slide show in a digital photo frame.

A lovely floral arrangement from Valerie and her
Havanese Stella.

A delicious edible arrangement
from Lise, Georges and their
fur-baby Chloe.

A birthday celebration with my 
love...Russell.

 

A beautiful farewell to Cooper and Spicy

Friday, February 9, 2024 - we said our final farewell to our beloved Cooper and Spicy. It was a day of pure love yet such profound sadness. We gave them the beautiful gift of allowing them to pass peacefully, together and surrounded with so much love. They are leaving a void that cannot be described. Our grief is overwhelming. 

The past two weeks were not easy. Cooper's appetite and energy simply weren't there and Spicy was declining in front of our eyes. On Wednesday, we had a two hour in-home consultation with Dr. Katy Mold, from CompassionVet Montreal. We needed guidance and clarity. Although deep inside we already knew this, it became clear that both were at the door step of a potential medical crisis.  They were so fragile. The decision to let them go together was as heartbreaking as it gets but it was the right one. 

Thursday was a day of full pampering, filled with love and whatever tickled their fancy. We took them to the park for one last walk. Our friend Errol joined us. It was a beautiful day. Spicy struggled so I held her in my arms. Cooper sniffed and peed on every tree. Then we sat on a bench and Errol took a photo of us. A wonderful memory of their last walk.

On Friday, we woke up with a profound feeling of impending loss. Despite that, we gave Cooper & Spicy their best morning fun. Cooper had a plate full of ground ham for breakfast. Spicy had some rice, chicken and ground ham. They both devoured their meals. Later in the morning, they enjoyed their snuffle mats filled with little goodies. At 10:30 am, they got their 3 pm crunchy treat. Russell did one last grooming, I did one last top knot. It gave us each some intimate time with both to thank them for being such a huge part of our lives.  Dr. Mold and her assistant Heather arrived at 11:15.

They passed away in the most peaceful and beautiful way, nose to nose. We opted to have their paw prints done in our home. In the end, they were both wrapped in a baby blanket, pink for our girl, blue for our boy. Each were then carefully placed in a doggie bed. Russell and I carried each one in our arms to  Dr. Mold's car and said our final goodbyes. We cannot say enough about the care and love that both Katy and Heather gave us. They are the reason why Cooper & Spicy's passing will forever be remembered both as heart wrenching but also filled with so much compassion. 

We are incredibly at peace with our decision but that doesn't take away the immense sadness that we feel. We have cried a lot in the past few days and the tears will continue to flow. At any moment, we expect to see both in every corner of our home. We have also had some chuckles remembering some of their antics. 

We are leaning on each other in our grief. Our emotional reserve is at its lowest so we need to take care of ourselves. Tomorrow is Russell's birthday. It will be bittersweet. We will go to Montreal for an overnight get away. We hope it will somewhat ease the pain that will be felt on his special day. 

I leave you with the photos of our last walk, their cute little paw prints and flowers given to us by friends to help ease our pain. We are grateful to all who have shown support and sympathy. It really helps. 

Cooper and Spicy gave us some of the best years of our lives, the ultimate unconditional love. In return, we gave them all the love we could possibly give them. We take comfort in that. You are deeply missed sweet little ones. We hope you are both having fun chasing squirrels with the many friends that were waiting for you in doggie heaven. We will always keep you in our hearts and await your return in a few weeks 💕

Spicy cuddled in my arms while Cooper
proudly takes his place on the bench with
Russell on their final walk at Edgewater Park.
Thank you Errol for this photo.

Our good friend Errol was able to share in the 
joy and sorrow on this final stroll. Thank you for
joining us.

Paw prints captured forever.

Lovely flowers in remembrance of
Cooper and Spicy from dear
neighbours Marie & Paul and
Billy the Havanese's mom Cindy