Sending my Addi-girl to Heaven

This is Addi's last picture taken April 4, 2010--Easter Morning.

(WARNING DOG-LOVERS...TERRIBLY SAD)

So, I sent my dear little miss Addi Marie to Heaven on Tuesday. I wasn't planning on that, but I guess that's what my day had in store for me. Last Wednesday when we were walking she couldn't even make the first block. I knew something was wrong and took her to the vet that day. Addi was diagnosed with a heart murmur. Serious, but nothing a cardiologist and medication couldn't fix. Friday she seemed a little off so I took her back to the vet. Everything checked out just fine and we were told to keep her down and wait for her cardiologist appointment. The weekend wasn't good but Monday she was in great spirits. Needless to say by Tuesday evening our sweet Precious Addi Marie flew to Heaven.
On April 20, 2002, my mom had a brilliant idea to go get a dog while my dad wasn't home. Micah and I went with her. It was a day that would change my life forever. The second I saw the little white cocker spaniel with buff ears I knew we belonged together. The rest is history! Everyone who met her loved her. Addi was a perfect fit!!

Addi, Steven and I have been through a lot together. She went everywhere with us.

When I got married my mom gave me the best gift she ever could have--she gave me Addi. Grammy Sue turned into Momma #2 for Addi and Addi spent many of her days up at my mom's house while I was at work.

Addi loved spending summers with Steven and I doing anything outdoors. She loved to hike and explore.



At 5 years old she had a double knee surgery. Through her knee surgery, cherry eye, puss pockets, food allergies, hip dysplasia and many other things, Addi was a trooper and a fighter. She let us take good care of her and returned our acts of love with her happiness and love.

Addi made a cross-country car trip last year with Steven when we moved to Rochester. She was his companion while I worked things out in Utah.

She flew home with us to Utah on two occasions and was the perfect little passenger.

Addi walked ME everyday. She would look forlorn if we missed a day of walking. We walked twice a day when I moved to Rochester. She helped me fill my empty time and loved to hang with me all day long. Addi explored Rochester with us.

It didn't take Addi long to love her little brother.
She became his protector and babysitter. One evening when I was running an errand, Addi alerted Steven when Jasper was awake and crying. She would stand guard by him if I took the garbage out or hopped in the shower. She would take naps with him. She had a keen sense of responsibility toward him. She was the perfect big sister to Jasper.

Addi was my first child. I treated her like a human. She taught me how to be a good mommy.
She was not a dirty dog...she got a bath once a week and sometimes more if she smelled funny. She sat in my lap when I would get her toothbrush and let me brush her teeth. She would dodge puddles so her feet wouldn't get wet. She was a squirrel-chasing fiend. I wish now she would've caught just one.

Addi was up for anything and would always put a smile on our faces and make us laugh.

Tuesday afternoon I gave my sweet Addi back to my mom--along with a chunk of my heart. My house is quiet without the scuttle of her claws on the wood floor. My lap is cold because I no longer have my Addi-girl sharing it with Jasper. The middle of our bed is empty. Steven and I can actually cuddle with each other. My mornings are lonely waking up without her sharing my pillow soundly sleeping with her tongue hanging out as she holds her baby Scooter.
When I walk in the door she isn't there to greet me with a wagging back end and a smile on her face (yes, she actually smiled). I miss my little girl; I hope she misses me, and I hope she is having fun in Heaven with her beloved Grammy Sue now.

We love you and miss you Precious Addi Marie!