Saying Goodbye

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post. Although, my heart is extremely heavy, I am happy and thankful for the dog loving people of this world. When I wrote about saying goodbye to Seattle, I mentioned that we weren't going to be able to bring Ditka with us. It is complicated and filled with lots of emotion but Ditka comes with some challenges and considering we were living with my folks we didn't want to put that stress on my parents. Also, since it looks like we will probably be renting our place in Seattle, which means we will be renting a place here, we feared trying to find housing that would allow us to bring a dog. 

About a week ago, we still had no idea where Ditka was going to go or if we were going to be able to provide her with a forever home. My heart is full of love to report that a worker at where we board Ditka has given her a home. It was pure luck and maybe the cosmic dogs were working in our favor. While we were at the beach, our friend picked Ditka up at boarding to keep her for a week. Unfortunately or fortunately, Pearson's credit card on file didn't work. Our friend called me and put me on the phone with the front desk person at the boarding place. As we were getting off the phone I mentioned that we had to find Ditka a home. He was very polite but said he already had two dogs and didn't know of anyone that was looking.  I got off the phone thinking Ditka was doomed. As I said, the cosmic dogs were working. About three hours later I got a voice mail saying that one of the workers wanted to take Ditka. In fact, she was one of her favorite dogs. However, she had been unemployed until recently and was worried that she wouldn't be able to afford one. 

I called the guy back and he put me in touch with Ellie, the woman who wanted to take her. She said to me, "When I met Ditka I was wearing a Bears shirt so I knew we were meant to be the best of friends." In our conversation, Ellie told me Ditka would be going to the ranch where we board her four times a week and she lives in the country so they would be going on hikes. I could not have imagined a better home for Ditka. 

So on Saturday, Ellie came to our house in Seattle and picked Ditka up. I wasn't there, thankfully. I would have cried like a baby. Ellie has already sent us a status update and said she is doing great. I could not THANK this woman enough for giving Ditka such a caring and loving home. 

I am sad that Ditka will no longer be a part of our family but I am absolute certain that we have found her the best home possible. Actually I think it is a better home then we could give her. I will miss her terribly. Her absolute loyalty and love for me, the kids, and Pearson will never be forgotten. I can't wait to see her again when we come and visit Seattle.  

To my Ditka, 

Despite you being my problem child, you were my first baby. You gave me peace of mind when Pearson was out of town. You protected my home and my/your babies. You were always willing to forgive me for yelling at you. As soon as I called your name you came running. You were my running partner. You knew if I was sad that I just needed your presence next to me. You knew if I was stress/annoyed/mad you gave me the space I needed. Although you created your fair share of problems, you loved your babies with such gentleness. I will remember you everyday and wonder how you are doing. You will always be in my heart forever. 

xoxo, Your [First] Mom