It seems like yesterday Rigley was here. In reality, it has been nearly two weeks since we said good bye. Our first baby came into our lives 11 years ago. She was sweet, loving and stubborn. Really stubborn! However, when we brought her home I'm not sure we were prepared to train a soon to be 85 pound dog in an apartment. Yes! We were in an apartment for the first six months that we had her. Dummies, I know!
She grew up knowing what she wanted and when she wanted it. For example, she was an escape artist. She could chew her way out of a metal dog crate. She could shimmy threw the gate that kept her in the back of the SUV. Give her one minute of freedom outside and she would be down at the lake before you could blink. I think she did this to torment me in particular. She usually had a smile in her eye when she knew she had been caught.
Rigley was an eater (like most labs). Until a month before she passed she was still jumping on her old lady legs to get food off of the counter if left out. Our microwave stored, not cooked food!
When she was a puppy she was super cuddly but as she aged she was uncomfortable on the couch with me. Probably because I tried to cuddle her like she was a lap dog. I'm sure I was annoying to her but I missed her cuddle puppy days!
We put her down on a Monday. The Sunday prior at around 4pm she came up to me and gave me what I believe was the last true "kiss" that she was to give. We found out she was in liver failure only the week prior and we had a wonderful week with her. She ate what she wanted, walked when she wanted and rode in the car with me as much as I thought she wanted to. That Sunday kiss was special. I think she was telling me that she had a great week and she was saying her goodbyes. Letting me know that she was ok with what was happening and that she loved me. I can't even write this without tears in my eyes but they are happy tears. I miss her dearly but know for certain she is up above running and eating as freely as she wants.
These pictures were taken a few days before she passed. She looks so youthful and happy. I'm glad I was able to get a ton of pictures and videos before her and that we had that week with her. I'll never forget the special moments we shared knowing that there would be few remaining.
Well, I had another good cry over Rigley. Loved her so much, wish I could have said goodbye in person. Always in my memory Rigs! Love you, Auntie Sal! xoxo (aka Auntie Aye!)
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