Finally frolicking together ...

As most of you know, I was married before.  I was young and foolish and it didn't work out.  I call that period of time my "former life".

At the time of our separation, we had 3 animals: two dogs and a cat.  As I had to move into an apartment, that also meant I had to find a new place for both of my dogs to live.  And I was very lucky to find very good homes for each of them.  In fact, one of the homes was that of a good friend of mine and, therefore, I could kind of keep in touch with the dog (Jade) through her.  I even saw the pup from time to time early on in my "new life".  But time went on and I remarried.  My new husband and I rescued another dog, and we moved away.

That was 12 years ago.

Earlier this year, Abbey, the cat that I had in my former life (who stayed with me throughout the turmultuous years and who knew all my secrets), got very sick and the vet told us we should take away her suffering and allow her to go peacefully.  I've had to do this many times before, but for some reason it was extra difficult to let go of this lovely feline -- she was part of my life for 17 years!

Wow, this photo of healthy Abbey really drives home how sick (skinny) she got at the end.  :(

This week I got another blow.  Miss Jade, the dog who lived high on the hog with my friend, also went to collect her wings.  This hit me harder than I thought it would, given that I hadn't had her in my life for many, many years.  Oddly, only weeks earlier I had been in touch with my friend inquiring about Jade's health.  She sent me this photo of her in which she still looks as sweet as ever.

Jade living the high life

It dawned on me yesterday that both animals lived long and happy lives, bringing joy to their families.  Yet when they lived together, they faught "like cats and dogs".  Jade thought Abbey was a fun interactive toy.  Abbey didn't appreciate this.  And such was the day-to-day life they led together.  They weren't upset to see each other go, much in the way I suspect their owners were of each other.  lol

I guess life really does happen for a reason.

I hope that now that they have to "share space" again, they've been able to settle their differences!

RIP Jade and Abbey.  You were loved.