Remembering Athena

Athena has crossed my mind more than once this past holiday season. I miss her. 

When we left the house this morning we forgot to unlock the door. We're still doing this more than two years after Athena died. 

Remembering Sophie

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Found this picture on Instagram recently. I remember a neighbor used to have one just like it in their yard and my beloved dog Sophie got freaked out by it.

One Year Ago Today

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Athena died one year ago today. When I look back over the time she was with us I can honestly say I believe Dale and I gave her the best life we possibly could. That brings me joy right now. I hope we gave her as much as she gave us. Rest well, sweet friend. You are not forgotten. 

I Told the Kids Today

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

It's been about 5 months and today I finally told the kids that Athena died. I talked to them so much about Athena and wrote about her when I modeled journal writing for the kids. I've continued to write about her for them as if she were alive. I've been nervous to bring it up for fear of crying in front of them. Silly cuz I got teary eyed anyway. They were so kind, understanding, and concerned. 

Missing Her

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Not long after Athena was put to sleep a condolence card from the vet's office arrived. It was signed by the office staff and had a personal not from the doctor who performed the euthanasia. It said, "Dale and Joe, We are so sorry for your loss of Athena.. I'm sure you know how much she was loved around here and it was clear how very loved she was at home. I am honored to have gotten to know her. You will be in our thoughts - please reach out if you need anything." The pre-printed message in the card was, "May the thoughts and memories in your heart be bright and bring you comfort." They are and they have. I've found myself looking at pictures of her quite a bit. 

Also, with the card came the above insert. I hear sounds now and then in the house and for a brief moment I think it's her. I miss her so very much. I became quite ill this past Saturday and spent the weekend recovering. I went in for a Covid test on Sunday, took Monday and today off. Spending time alone in the house makes her absence more pronounced. I had a dream about her the other morning. In it Athena was walking. My view of her was from above. She was alone and didn't have a leash on. She seemed unaware of me and just kept walking. Then, I woke up.  

Reminders

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Reminders of our loss are everywhere. We haven't been able to put away her water bowl and food dish. We try to open the door to leave the house to go to work in the morning and are startled it's still locked. Her Kong bone is still on the floor in the living room. The ottoman she used to help her climb up on the couch the last couple years is unused. We walk by the bedroom and she's not on our bed. Every walk we take feels lonely. Her extended leash is still on the floor of the car from the last car ride she took to the vet on the last day of her life. She's not there when we sit in the back yard. So much sadness yet I'm willing to feel it. The pain of her loss only magnifies the joy of when she was with us and the memories of her. I can't say it enough, Athena: I miss you. 

From Dale's Blog

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Dale posted the following to his blog on October 30, 2021: