2 Years

Today is the 2 year anniversary of Achilles' departure from our lives. Mind boggling that 2 years have passed in such a flash. I've been returning to thinking of Achilles, and of Nick, a lot lately. I miss them. Terribly. This weekend I was reminded of today, and it made my heartache.

I know another who also misses Achilles a.k.a. my little Sweetface, and that would be our beloved Milo D. Bear. We found out in late March that Milo's kidneys are failing, so it has been a few weeks of pain management, fluid therapy, and lots and lots of lovin'. Our vet told us he has about 6 months remaining if we're lucky and he responds well to treatment. We are savoring every moment. Sometimes he spends long stretches of time barking at the wall under the deck stairs, where Achilles used to sit. Makes me wonder if he's having a conversation with his brother up in heaven.

I found myself going through some old photos of Achilles and Milo. Some made me laugh, some just made me sad. The circle of life is painful. But, I will endure the pain to have had Achilles in our lives.

Back in the day, Achilles & Milo in our pre-remodel backyard. Two Golden dudes just chillin' in the shade. They could always be found back there.

In August 2007, Achilles and I took a road trip to visit Auntie Laura and Wrigley in Orange County. We made matcha tea lattes and sat on the front stoop waiting for the thunderstorm to roll in. Achilles spent over an hour sniffin' the air, waiting for the rain.
Poor puppy Wrigley, he wanted to play, not knowing geriatric Achilles couldn't hang with the energy of a puppy. But, he did show Wrigley how to raid the treat cupboard, much to Auntie Laura's shock.
Driving home from Auntie Laura's.
Kisses from papa at the dog park.
There was pretty much nothin' that Achilles and Milo didn't do together, including sleeping on one another. Well, I should say that it was always Milo crowding Achilles. He loved him so much, followed him everywhere.
Case in point.
Christmas 2008, stuffed toy present from our niece and nephews. He looked like a puppy cuddling his little toy, then tearing out its stuffing like a madman.
He was my gourmet pup, always kept me company when food was in the picture. Check out the intense focus.
Sweetface, I miss you.
This was Achilles on the day we adopted him from the rescue. Ed picked him up. It was August 9, 2007. A lifetime ago it seems.
Achilles & Milo, once again, joined at the hip. Literally.
Hangin' out during the remodel. There wasn't anything that Achilles loved more than rolling around in the dirt, debris, and dust from the remodel.
It's been a couple of hard months around here. I lost an uncle unexpectedly, and have several family members who are very, very ill. Work at the office is insanse and everything else that life throws at us has been keeping me buried.

As much as our dogs keep us busy, I wouldn't trade our time with them for the world. Nothing beats the love and affection of my dogs. I hope this post finds you and your four-legged babies still happy, healthy, and as in love as always.