Hey guys,

It's been a couple of weeks and I hit a milestone yesterday, so I thought I'd stop in to say hi.  For the most part I'm doing pretty well.  I started a new job this past week (I alluded to it, but I had been in job transition due to Covid since June - at least for a full time role), and a good friend and I went to a concert at my favorite venue last night.  It was the first show I've been to since early Oct. and only the second one since everything shut down last year, so it was great to get out and see some live music.

So yesterday was not only 1 month since Wally passed, but it would have been his 10th gotcha day .  I was planning on grilling him up a filet mignon.  Pretty bummed that I didn't get the chance to do that .  I had been dreading yesterday for a couple of weeks, but surprisingly I didn't really get choked up during the day.  I guess it being my first Friday on the new job and the concert were enough of good distractions to keep the sadness away.  The week wasn't without sadness though.  I got pretty choked up driving home Monday realizing it was the first time in a decade that I was coming home from work without having Wally waiting at home to greet me.  Also, on Thursday I was scrolling through my sister and I's text thread looking for her address when I ran into some pics of Wally and texts I had sent a couple of days before he passed telling her how well his was doing.  That was pretty rough, especially since I was at work and had to keep things in.  Overall though, as stated I am doing pretty well.

Here are a couple of pics from Wally's actual gotcha and his fifth gotcha day, where he was starting to show his distinguished gray lol.  I think you guys will like them.

Also, I have a question on tributes.  I believe we discussed I could do one for Wally and since the dust has settled now I'd like to do that.  I'm seeing where I can make a donation to the foundation but not seeing anything about a tribute.  Are they one in the same?

Edit: Nevermind the question.  I was able to figure it out and submitted a donation and Wally's tribute.

Thanks

Rich

Thanks again as always for the kind and supportive words, and you're welcome for the donation.  I know it'll go to a good use for a great cause!  I really do appreciate all of the support you guys have given me through all of this. 

Even though I'm managing and doing ok, it's definitely been a really challenging month.  Going from having your best friend there everyday for 9 years and 11 months to suddenly not having him with you anymore is obviously super tough.  Anytime I do a first without him (even something silly like drive home from work) or revisit that dreadful day it hits me pretty hard.  But life goes on, and I know Wally would want me to keep my chin up and be happy.  So that's what I'm doing my best to do, and the support you guys have given has helped there a lot. 

I'm glad you like the pics.  Yeah, I remember Wally's gotcha day really well, as it's obviously one of my favorite days.  He was so small and cute at the time, and I do believe he was awe struck.  He was so cautious on going around the house and checking things out.  I had set out some bones and toys left over from Benny, and before he would pick them up he would sniff at them and give me an "is this ok?" look.  Then after I tell him, "That's ok.  Those are for you now."  He'd then either start chewing on the bone or start playing with his new toy.  At the end of the day I put a movie on, and he curled up next to me and fell asleep with his head in my lap.  What a great day.

So again thanks and take care.  I'll try to stop by every so often to say hi and catch up a bit.

Hi Renee - Sent you a PM with links to explain.

Sally - Sounds like both of our Bennies were great dogs.  My Benny didn't necessarily beat the odds (if memory serves me correctly the oncologist gave him 6-12 months with treatment) but he did come close to the high end of life expectancy.  So he faired much better than Wally unfortunately did .  They never did meet, as Benny passed on Jan. 8th of 2011, and I brought Wally home for his trial visit a little under 2 months later on Feb. 26th.  They were quite different, so I hope they're getting along.  Benny's probably running around with a ball in his mouth while it's 50/50 that Wally's either running around with him toyless or just relaxing in the sun.

Here's a couple of Benny pics (and a much younger version of me):

Thanks again and have a great Sunday!

Rich

Thanks!  Glad you liked them.  Funny, I can't remember the last time I shared some photos of Benny, and believe it or not those 2 were actually taken less than 3 years apart.  It's kind of interesting that the energetic and rambunctious Benny saw me out of my 20s into my 30s, and my mellow and well mannered Wally saw me through my 30s and into my 40s.  Very fitting.