I feel like 2017 has zoomed by at lightning speed.

Part of me didn’t want to document our lives in the wake of losing Bella in March. Life didn’t feel ‘normal’ without her. It still doesn’t, to be honest. Not sure about you all, but sometimes I feel that perhaps if I don’t write it down, it isn’t real.

We finally put up our tree last Sunday. My attempts to take a family selfie were slightly easier with only one nose and tail to be in the frame. But I didn’t like that ease. I miss Bella like crazy and wish above all wishes that she was still with us. Love Bug is struggling with her loss so we are talking to someone to help us with some tools to help.

Beary, Love Bug and I went on an adventure this past weekend to meet some rescue loves who needed new homes. Unfortunately Beary wasn’t overly fond of the first one, and the second one wasn’t overly fond of Beary.

This time of year my social media feeds are full of rescue organisations and pounds stretched to capacity with surrendered fuzzy loves. Because they ‘grew’ or their ‘family’ are going on holidays and the pet is inconvenient, or they ‘bark’ or ‘chew’. It infuriates me. These same people will no doubt be oohing and aahing over a new puppy or kitten as soon as their holiday fades to a memory. There should be a law against it.

Beary turned nine at the beginning of December. The three of us had a party and ate {vegan} ice cream cake. It was our first celebration without Bella and it felt so odd. I’m not sure if it’s being nine or the stresses of the past nine months, or some combination of the two, but Bear has definitely slowed this year. I’ve noticed he spends a lot more time sleeping, and a lot less time running around. Walks are more ambles. He doesn’t pull on his lead, and he finally doesn’t howl at me the entire time we are in the car – whether we’re going on a six or 60-minute adventure. He just lays down next to Love Bug. Other than his rotten hip and his irregular heartbeat {which he’s always had} the vet thinks he’s in great health … for a dog his age and size. I show him as much love as I can every day. Because every day is precious.

Love Bug has grown so much this year. Her legs are so long now that when I pick her up they dangle below my knees. How much longer will I be able to do that for? We still dance around our lounge room at the end of watching our Saturday night movies – and plenty of other random times each week, but not every time am I able to carry her. I hold her close when I do though. Every day is precious.

She has finished grade one and I couldn’t be more proud. She is bright, funny, engaging, caring and inclusive. She loves to read and craft is still her favourite hobby. This year she’s taken to tennis and really enjoys it, has just started martial arts and continues to have fun at gymnastics each weekend. With mere weeks until she turns seven, I am grateful innumerable times each and every day for her joyousness. Last night the Tooth Fairy visited, her second baby tooth gone – in her own words merry toothless!

As Christmas Eve comes to a close in our little part of the world, I wanted to wish you all the best for the holiday season – no matter what you believe in – I hope it’s magical. Here’s hoping 2018 brings your dreams to reality. And more peace to our world.

For Christmas, I wish you enough.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
{Author: Bob Perkins}