"My July Snapshots"

Tootsie is "enjoying how putting her two front paws in that small body of water could be such a relief from walking with mom half a mile then go again. Pulling her out of that
scenic posture is almost a sin

Receiving a rose with your certificate of completion for a church empowered class is
noteworthy. This is one of the classes I'm proud I pursued to finish. I have learned
so much about what the Bible says about life after death.

What a lovely rose can do...Smile

Cocoa, on her feet. No hitting the ground or stumbling...
I wish that she could stay that way forever strong & courageous. 

Cocoa & Tootsie, still not getting along except when there's a fence
between them. You would think that Cocoa would be nicer now to Tootsie
now that she's sick. Nevertheless, Cocoa doesn't look like she's fighting
for her life.

Going to an evening of Embrace Women gathering @ Grace Church.
With everything going on in my life right now, there's nothing hinders me to
Praise the Lord...I come to church expecting, "that something good is about to happen."

"My Fur Ever Chocolate Lab..."

 Thanksgiving, 2015

July 2019



 Driving her to the Vet Clinic with my son Josh two weeks ago felt like an abyss...The vet said, "Sorry for the sad prognosis. Cocoa has severe arthritis with acute renal failure. I give her 6 mos. to live. Don't put her down now. Wait till the winter comes..."
The definition of sadness, grief-stricken, bottomless pit, agony, hopelessness in the Webster Dictionary does not anywhere convey or closer to how I was losing my mind, heart & soul to the bone. How am I going to gauge the right time to put her to sleep? Should I keep her longer for me till she dies naturally or should I end her misery? That is conflicting and debatable. I don't even believe in euthanasia whether in humans or in dogs. But I believe God will mutter into my heart the right thing to do.
Right now, I am focused on taking good care of her, like family hospice care. Cleaning up after her is the least I can do for all the immeasurable joys she let me experience with her. She's still eating, drinking water and still cognizant of her surroundings, home with me, Josh & Tootsie, my other lovely, wise dog.
One late afternoon, this surge of emotion to cry out loud just happened in the living room. I was circling the coffee table with my hands up high praying to God what would he want me to do in this situation. I was weeping uncontrollably. I know that she is a dog but the way she inspired me to live better is more than just coming from a furry, four-legged dog. My life evolved to endearments, blissful quietude that only Cocoa & I shared for more than 14 years.
These days, she's been sleeping a lot. She can only walk a few yards then hits the ground. It takes her about 5 to 7 minutes to regain energy so that she could walk again. I won't say she's incontinent now because I could still see that she still has the zeal in her eyes to live. I don't want to be the one to cut her life short for I will carry that thorn regrettably for the rest of my life.
I love you so much Cocoa!

The only car Cocoa had ever ridden...our car together!

Mid-Spring of 2016

FeeFeeling cozy with Cocoa after 2 miles of walk in the park, Early Summer of 2016

At Lion's Park, Early Summer of 2016

Assuring Cocoa, "Be back in 2 nights--Going to Florida

At The Pet Med, Summer of 2016

Fall, 2018

Early Summer, 2016

At the Pet Med Center waiting Area, 2017

Christmas, 2016

First Week of December 2017

My Music Video Selection for this Month, July"

One thing I know for sure is that music, a good song anyway always relieves depression even for just a moment. If what you're listening to can impact how solitude changes to a grin, a chuckle that reaches your heartstring, that is then the music of the soul...

That moment will bring you to remembrance that your scars are yours to keep. They could be a good testimony to help others fight their battles, helping you to see that you're not alone. Let that sink in you, in us. There is no greater hope that putting all your trust in the Lord.

Happy First of July!