To see Frankie soaking up the sun warms me from my toes all the way to my head…. And my heart catches in my throat. Did you ever notice that often when you don’t speak, but just observe and appreciate, the depth of the bond between you and your pet deepens?

We communicate our feelings about our pets to others through words or writing and so this is what my heart was feeling as I sat and looked at Frankie enjoying the sun:

My little trooper, we have been on an incredible journey, you and me. All the lives you’ve positively impacted with your inspirational story. How honored I am that you chose me to be your messenger. Every single moment is a deeply rewarding experience with you.

In the beginning when you were first diagnosed with IVDD it was so hard. I yelled at God, “I can’t handle this! I don’t want to take care of a handicapped dog! I don’t know how! Why me? This is so unfair!  God, don’t you understand?—I love animals deeply!”

Ah yes, He did understand. Frankie would turn out to be the blessing for me to grow and evolve in ways I could have never imagined for myself. Today I can say: I like me. I love taking care of my special needs dog. I love my life. I am honored to have been the chosen one to be called, “Frankie’s Mom.” I am full up with Frankie love. I am beyond the word grateful. No words to describe what it has meant for me and you to travel this road together. You are my light. My guide. My sunshine. My heart.

To see you soaking up the sun, enjoying your semi-retirement has been a new lesson of appreciation of what the golden years mean. The connection between you and me that keeps deepening to a new level is a beautiful experience- A knowing in my heart that we will always be connected…. no matter what.

“You are my sunshine… my only sunshine… you make me happy when skies are gray… “ and might I add you bring me joy every single solitary moment of my days?