Tuggin' at the heart strings...

*SIGH* Where do I begin? It has only been about 4 short months since our dog Luke died. Yesterday we came home from church, once again, to find our other dog, Duke had passed away. A "Old Dan and Little Ann" saga? Not this time. Duke was doing just fine without Luke around. In fact, I think he kinda liked all the attention.

Pugs are super special. Because of their little smashed faces, they have a really hard time cooling down in the heat. Therefore, Duke isn't allowed to be left outside in the afternoon in July and August. It's just plain too hot for him. We put him out in the morning for a couple hours and bring him in at lunch time until it cools back down. In a rush to get everyone ready for church and out the door, Duke was left outside.

*SIGH* What's worse? I had the thought come into my head to have someone let him in while I was doing Mia's hair, but simply thought, "I'll do it in a minute." How many times do I have to learn that lesson? And at such a high cost...especially for my kids. And my husband. Duke was Kirt's dog.

My poor, POOR kids. My sweet, tender-hearted hubby. They're heartbroken. I'm heartbroken. I'm sorry, my babies. I know sorry isn't enough this time, but I'm at a loss for words. I'm truly sorry.

Over the years I've ignored plenty of promptings. On purpose? Never. Why do I do that? "I'll do it in a minute." NO! Do it RIGHT NOW!! What am I supposed to learn from this lesson? I'm not sure yet. Was it to follow promptings right away? Maybe. I'm not sure I'll ever know.

For those of you that know us well, you know that our dogs were members of our family. Kirt and I loved them as our own kids, and the kids loved them as siblings. We'll miss you Duke. We'll miss you a lot.

I guess there's one good thing about this...

they're together again.