Louie

What would you do to explain to your child about the loss of a pet? I know that it's not the same thing as losing a family member but to a child losing a pet can be a pretty traumatic experience. Heck - losing a pet when you're a grown-up can be pretty tough as well. This past week has been very hard for us as a family - thus the lack in posting - about two weeks ago our small puppy, Louie developed some very serious seizures. The vet was pretty certain that our small dog had been poisoned by anti-freeze! Anti-freeze? We don't even own any! So we worried and worried the entire time she was in the hospital. The girls prayed for her every night at supper and at bedtime as well. Louie is very special to our family - she came into our lives the same time that Julia did - they are the same age! She was rescued by us when she was just a baby - covered in fleas. So... we waited and waited and waited. Finally we were able to take her home, but the doctor was unsure of any long term effects. Kidney and liver damage are the main concerns at this point. At least she was home. Saturday night was the first night we were able to let her out to run and play! She seemed to being doing so much better. The one thing that was not on her was her collar. We took it off of her when she started having seizures and hadn't put it back on. By Saturday night - there was no sign of Louie. It was if she had just disappeared. We looked and looked and looked - but no sign. Poor Louie. At this point we weren't sure if she had been taken or if she had just gone off to die. The girls continue praying - they look for her every night - we call for her whenever we go outside. I made signs tonight to hang on the road - they state simply:

Lost!

Beagle/Terrier Mix

"Louie"

She is very sick and needs

to come home so she

can take her medicine!!

I hope she is found safe and sound - dealing with loss is never easy and my girls are so very sensitive to things such as this. If not - it's a life lesson that we will work through with faith and love. Wow - how morbid was I today? I promise to bring more laughs tomorrow. :(