I can’t do Harper B for Birthday without thinking of Terri Z — this was the last birthday card Terri sent to her grandpuppy, Harper.
Gone much too soon, Terri Z is loved, missed, and remembered.
Terri owned Harper’s dad, Zed, from my F Litter. This is Harper with both of her parents, Sydney (G Litter) and Zed.
Old dog birthdays are so very bittersweet. Yes, we celebrate the one who is here but we also remember the ones who have left, and the people who love them.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to Laney, Mesa, Heidi, Zeke, Holden, and Auggie.
I sit here in tears as I remember each of those dogs and Terri — and Claire, whose loss is still so fresh and raw. And Daisy.
And yet, Harper B deserves her party. She deserves to be celebrated. Her 13th birthday must be a joyful, happy day.
The losses and grief cannot be forgotten or ignored. They exist because of who and what mattered. But the long shadows of grief must not be allowed to rob celebrations of their rightful joy.
And while every day includes reasons to celebrate, Harper’s 13th birthday is an especially important day to throw a happy, fun celebration that is filled with joy.
And so we will.