Benpaws

Dear Raymond,

I am glad you stopped by today and I need no thanks for coming here each day. Everyone here is just amazing and they are hurting and sometimes there is a good story mixed in with all the sadness.

I too miss Benny more than I could every say. He was one unique little fur pal and never left my side when my days were not very good due to the depression from which I suffer.

However, I know he is in a place of eternal youth and joy and I no longer feel guilty for making the "right decision at the right time" even though it tor my heart apart, and even though he was only a little over 6years old. I know we did everything for almost 2 years to keep our little puppy well and free from severe pain, but "time ran out for Benny."

I miss you Raymond and all that you had to offer, but I sincerely understand because I have so often just wanted to say "goodbye" and something draws me here everyday. Maybe it is Benny?? He knew how sad I often got and shut myself off from everyone who loved me, but it was always seeing Benny lying beside me which brought me back into the "world of reality" and he was so happy when I rejoined the family again. Maybe Benny knowsthat I need this special place as much as anyone here.

Christmas is often a very sad time for people for many different reasons and we will miss Benny greatly this year, but his stocking is hung and his picture is everywhere and he WILL be part of the celebrations. He and our darling granddaughter Isabella who grew up with him and is the same age (7) as Benny would have been in July will be here and we are giving her a very special calendar with "Pictures of times past with Benny and us and ending with Shadow " whom she loves with all her heart. She will cry because she is a very loving and sensitive little girl and she carries a small album of picture of herself and Benny when we cared for her for almost 3 years when her mommy returned to work. Benny died and Isabella moved a long way away and we miss them both.

Shadow is now a huge part of our lives and our hearts and although very different from Benny, he deserves all the love I have to give. He will no doubt be my last puppy, because I am an old galand only going in one direction. Shadow has brought the joy back into our lives in the "Winter of our lives."

Sorry I got carried away my dear friend, but please visit once in awhile and let us know how you are doing.

God Bless you my dear friend and have a blessed Christmas with Halo and Eddie and your dear wife and know that Larry is never far away. May 2010 bring much health and happiness into your life!

Blessings to a very special friend,
Joanne