Who would have thought you could laugh more than cry on your first day without your fur baby? NOT ME! But it happened – thanks to the wonderfulness that is the Tripawds community.

You can read details and see pics here.

Thanks so much to Jim & Rene & Wyatt and Diane (Maximutt) & John (Maxidad) & Bernie & Linda for making it happen.

You guys are the best.

Special thanks to Bernie for the kisses.

Jackie, Angel Abby's mom. Our girl was there in spirit!

We were devastated that we never got to meet Abby, but it meant so much to us that Jackie (Abby's mom) showed up on Fiesta Island to see all of us anyway. It turned out to be a wonderful day, with canine antics that were a fitting tribute to Abby's spirit. Fiesta Island might be the best off-leash dog area I've ever seen – a huge stretch of undeveloped land with long curving beaches, lots of trails to follow, hills to run up and down, trees, benches, and open areas full of tall green grass for dogs to chase around in. No wonder Abby loved it so much.

We got there a little bit before everyone else, so we had time to explore the island. Linda enjoyed her last few minutes of peace and quiet before Wyatt's arrival, taking some time to smell the flowers as Bernie bin Laden went marauding in the background:

Then Wyatt arrived, and had his joyous reunion with Bernie. They haven't seen each other for over a year, but immediately picked up where they left off…

They're perfect playmates, which isn't surprising since they share the same brain cell. Lots of pouncing…

…and Bernie squashing, which I always approve of.

Linda did her best to ignore their dopey antics, and instead concentrated on getting as wet – and as filthy – as possible. She's very good at both.

Unfortunately for her, Bernie and Wyatt decided to see what she was doing.

Fortunately for her, they soon decided it was more important to have a long, long, tug-o-war with Mr. bin Laden's favorite beach toy. What Bernie lacks in size and weight compared to Wyatt, he makes up for in sheer one-track minded stubbornness and an absolute refusal to ever let go. They must have tugged for ten minutes straight.

When it was finally over (which required some dog wrangling; since Bernie and Wyatt would have cheerfully chased each other until they passed out), we went to a local In-n-Out burger and had Abby's favorite meal in her honor.

And when the day finally drew to a close, we were rewarded with the rarest gift of all…

The sight of Bernie bin Laden so tired that he no longer had enough energy to be a pain in the butt.

Rest in peace, Abby. Today was for you.

The pictures are awesome… I know Abby would have loved it if she could have been there. What a wonderful way to celebrate her life and the beauty that she was.

Micki and Rio

The perfect way to celebrate the life of TWP Abby!

Wish we could have been there…so glad you were!

I also have tears of joy! What a fantastic way to honor our TWP Abby. I wish more of you were in the southeast so my pups could play too!

That last picture of Bernie is the quietest I have ever seen of him,so great job on wearing his butt out!

Cathy

What a beautiful day :-)  I had tears of joy too.  A great way to celebrate Abby's spirit

Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg

What a fabulous day, and a fabulous way to honor Abby.  She and Max and Jerry were watching, saying "If they think THAT is fun!  Wait'll they meet us HERE!"