Goodbye Katie Belle

Katie Belle, our dog of almost nine years is on her way to live with her grandparents (Dave's dad and step mom) as I type this. We made the decision for Katie Belle to go live with them earlier this week after Caleb and her had an incident. Caleb was playing rough and rowdy, as he usually does, when he jumped on top of Katie Belle. Of course, Katie Belle being the animal she is defended herself and Caleb ended up with four stitches near his right eye, a bruised face, and a cut up mouth. It scared us so bad seeing our sons face bloody and not seeing exactly what happened, but we are very thankful that his injuries were very minor. The stitches are out and he will probably have a very small scar to remind us of this day. I'm sure only one of many scars he will acquire over the years.

We loved Katie Belle very much, she was our first "baby". Dave and I got her a few months after we were married in 2001. I had wanted a dog in college, but of course most apartments do not allow dogs, so it was our first big step as a married couple, adopting Katie Belle. We went to the humane society and looked at all the dogs. I didn't see one that jumped out at me, but as we were leaving the lady said, "Wait, we have one more in the back that just came in a few days ago and she is really sweet." They brought Katie Belle out and I knew she was our dog. I just could not leave her there, so we took her home that day. We had a bumpy first few weeks, like most new parents. I laugh, because we acted just like new parents of a baby, nervous and not real sure how to take care of her. I know, ridiculous, it is a dog, but we loved her.

She got very sick the first week we had her and took her back to the only place we knew to take her at the time, back to the humane society. She was diagnosed with Kennel cough, but nothing serious and we were back home with her later that day. Katie Belle grew to be part of our family in no time and adapted to all the changes that came into our family over the years, but I think she is just to old to adapt to Caleb's rough and rowdy ways. I'm thinking of it as her retirement home and so thankful Dave's dad is willing to take her. We know they will take excellent care of her, love her, and we will get to visit her still. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss her until last night. It just hit me as I was coming home from babysitting some friends kids that it would be the last time she would greet me as I came home. I feel a little guilty for being so sappy and overcome with emotions about this, there are many people this past year that have lost children, loved ones and had much harder things than losing a dog. I'm very thankful for my wonderful husband, healthy children and all the Lord has and will bless us with, but I'm really going to miss our Katie Belle!!! Bathtime

OG Katie

Serious

Not happy about being our Christmas card :)