Long Goodbyes

Over the years,  I have been fortunate to have loved many pets.

Over the years,  I have said goodbye to many beloved pets.

Their lives ended for many different reasons. 

The thing they all had in common was this:

they all passed away very quickly.

I've never had a long good-bye - until now.

Our family currently includes 2 cats and 2 dogs.

Our oldest cat, Momo, was diagnosed with kidney disease over a year ago,

and

our oldest dog, Sami, has recently been found to be in the early stages

of congestive heart failure.

At this point, they are both doing fine.

However, we don't know how long this will last.

So, for now, we appreciate them more than ever.

We spoil them more than ever.

We go out of our way to make their days happy.

And

we take lots of pictures!

I want to remember how Momo always has a piece of long fur

stuck in her mouth.

I want to remember how Sami loves to share an orange with me every night.

I want to remember how Momo always lays on top of my knitting projects.

I want to remember the view from my kitchen window 

every day.

I want to remember the cute black spots on Momo's nose...

and her feet with wacky tufts of fur.

I want to remember Sami running and having fun...

and even barking.

I want to remember how Momo sleeps in the sun next to the catnip plant on the porch.

I want to remember how Sami loves Adam.

I want to remember how Momo always finds a piece of sunshine to bask in.

I want to remember how Sami and Halle are inseparable.

I want to remember how Momo loves to lay on the bench in front of the window.

I want to remember Sami covered in snow.

I want to remember how happy Momo makes everyone.

I want to remember how Sami hates to have his picture taken.

There are so many things that we have grown accustomed to over the years

that we just take for granted every day.  But not anymore.

I don't know when or how the end will come.

And I'll never be ready to say good-bye.

But I will forever be grateful to have this precious time

to have 

a long goodbye.