Day 306

3/18/23

Today's picture is of our sweet rescue, Princess Di. For those of you who follow Old Barkers Farm Senior Dog Sanctuary, you might recall the story of this Golden who found her way to our home. We rescued her (There is a long story and others who helped with that effort.) and called our friend, Charlean at Old Barkers. She came right away and added Di to her pack of senior dogs who all need a home and love.

Today, Charlean let us know that the Princess headed to the Rainbow Bridge. As sad as that is, and my tears simply won't stop, there are some lessons and precious moments to share.

Charlean is one of the bravest people I know. Taking these dogs into her home and heart, she knows that their time together will be short. Yet, she loves them and treats them the way all dogs should be treated...with respect, affection and safety. Each day is a gift for those dogs and Charlean makes each day special.

Princess Di, seen in the photo doing part of her Bucket List, was able to trade her rope tied to a doghouse for adventures galore. Car rides, swimming in the lake, visits to nursing homes, dog beds in abundance within paw steps, the best treats imaginable and human arms to love her at every turn. Even though she was only there for about nine months, that time was every dog's dream!

The lessons for me are simple:

*Love those 2-legged and 4-legged souls with reckless abandon while we are able.
*Be brave for those you love. Doing the easy thing is not always the right thing to do.
*Always put others first if possible. It will come back to you many times over.
*Open your heart to love...even if it hurts. The journey is well worth the possibility of loss and sadness.

Charlean's words were such an act of love.

"Our beautiful girl has left this world and is running free of pain. She was just too tired to keep going."

Lucky Princess Di. Even though it was only for nine months, it was more than most beings get in a lifetime.

PS If you have a moment, check out Old Barkers Farm Senior Dog Sanctuary on Facebook and let Charlean know people care. Thank you.