Life Lessons

Many of you may or may not know our family dog, Roscoe, but here he is: 

{so handsome, by the way}

This was taken just a few days ago in my parents' backyard. He has been such a good dog for our family and we love him so much. 

About three weeks ago he slowly stopped eating his dog food. This was worrisome to our family since this is highly unusual for him. Well, then last Sunday and Monday we really started noticing he wasn't acting like himself. My dad took him to the vet last Monday to see what was up. We found out his liver  is failing and that he probably wouldn't live that much longer. 

My dad and I have been working all week to get him feeling better. We have tried many different avenues and some of them seemed to be working for him. He was playing "ball" with me (like his old, happy self), and even letting out a few courtesy barks. But Friday, Saturday, and today we finally realized he is not truly getting better. To make this sad story short, we are going to be putting him down to sleep tomorrow. We feel it the most humane and loving thing to do for him. 

I know most people won't read this, but it is really helpful therapy for me. We love Roscoe and will continue to love him long after he's gone. Up until two weeks ago, he's been such an active and happy dog. He makes us laugh and he is certainly too smart for his own good. :) He is technically my brother Nick's dog, but he has a special place in all of our hearts. If anybody knows Roscoe, you would know that he loves his family and his ball more than anything else. Our family has tried to remain positive throughout this ordeal, and in so doing, had a conversation last week about what Roscoe would have in heaven. We all agreed that it would be very appropriate for him to have golden balls. There would be nothing greater for that ball-loving dog. And its a great comfort to us knowing that we will see him again someday. Here's to our loving, smart, handsome, and caring dog, Roscoe. We will miss you -- and we know, especially, since dog's have a special intuition, that you already know that we will miss you. 

Now on to a happier note -- Here are some super cute pictures of my boy:

We've been getting outside at least once a day when I get home from work (and especially since we wanted to play ball with Roscoe)

It's been quite nippy outside, that's why he is all wrapped warm

Gabe hanging with Great Grandma O and of course, Zoey, who loves to be in the middle of everything

Gabe loves his ketchup

"Talk to the hand" -- haha, that's so 90's, but hilar

The first time we went outside, Gabe made a beeline for this car. 

I know Gabe's a boy, but I had no idea how fast he would love "boy" stuff. He absolutely is in love with cars and trucks. 

Here he is "backing" it up.

Inspecting the hood (?). Such a cutie. 

And Gabe is now 18 months -- a milestone -- mostly because he gets to be in nursery now!

Some stats:

He is almost 23 pounds (4th percentile)

He is 30 inches long (11th percentile)

And I can't remember how big his head was, but I remember the % -- 40!