I spent the last 5 days up north at my mom's. This is where Luba and I had spent countless happy moments. It was very hard initially. I cried for most of the trip up, and most of the first day and night there. I kept waiting to see my girl coming running up to me and jump around and want to play ball.

My other dog, Falkor, had gone up ahead with a relative and was waiting for me there. I was grieving so intensly that I thought it was not good for him to be around me in the city.

Also, I have found out that he has arthritis he's going in for more tests next month and going up north is good for his spirits - lots of fresh air and a forest right beind the house.

The good news is that he is responding VERY well to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that he is on. He and I really bonded, and I have every intention of enjoying each and every day that I am blessed to have him.

I continue to grieve for Luba intensly, but I am starting to open up to other creatures. Falkor needs me to be positive and show him lots of love, and have fun with him. He obviously has an incredible amount of love and joy to give.

Steph,

Falkor is lucky to have such a great Mom! You two need each other and it's good that you are especially close at this painful time.

I'm glad you made the trip to visit your Mom (where up north is she?). That's good for both of you.

You have been through a lot. Take good care of yourself, amd write any time!

Love,

Kathy