[Dailydrool] confession

[Heidi I Sarver]

I've been lurking for the last month or so---things have started to  
change a bit with my mother and most of my time is spent with her.   
Her cancer is in check (thankfully) but she is starting to struggle a  
bit (86 years young and been in a wheelchair for 20 years now)....so  
remodeling of my first floor is about to begin in order for me to move  
her in here.

I've tried to get out personal notes to all the families whose beloved  
hounds have traveled to the journey to the bridge--but I know I've  
missed many.  Please, please know that I've read each note and send  
you my deepest condolences and understanding during this horrific time  
for you.

Which brings me to my confession:  Buford has been "gone" for 4 months  
now and of course, not a day goes by that I don't think of him and  
miss him.  But yes, I'm getting through it.  Della has, however,  
"moved on."  And my confession is that I have neglected (in a sense)  
the most wonderful basset in the world during my months/years of  
caring for all of Buford's ailments.  I do not blame my boy (may he  
rest in peace and with endless treats) for any of this.  He needed  
care.  And Della simply found a place for herself within the pack.   
But OH! HOW SHE HAS BLOSSOMED!!!

She is the sweetest, nicest, most loving dog I've ever been fortunate  
enough to share my life with!  Each dog that enters our life shares a  
special bond with us in one form or the other.  Della has wormed  
herself into my heart DESPITE me trying not to let that happen.  It  
hurt too much when Buford "left" that I swore I wouldn't let it happen  
again. Well this little girl (almost 6 years old but a petite basset  
at 46 lbs) has defeated that.  She is, simply put, wonderful, and I am  
ashamed of myself for not allowing me to see this years ago.

Here's to Della-Ware Summer's End, Princess of Sweetness and Light-- 
and official BABES, who has earned her title over and over again, each  
and every day.

Drool to all in need, snooters to the lot.

--heidi, della BABES, guinness the cat
--buford OEBE Garbagemeister Extraodinaire (atb), walter (atb)