The Right Thing to Do for Frankie. Joie’s Tire Tracks Now Lead the Way. Come Follow.

My heart is full up with love and joy today!  It is in the 60’s and finally feels like spring. Joie was out in the yard for a good part of the morning exploring our backyard. We have about 3/4 of an acre, so lots for her to check out.  This is really the first time she has been able to do that since she arrived mid-October last fall. See more photos of her outside on my Facebook wall.

I can’t stop smiling and my heart oozes with happiness watching her outside. Reflecting back on last summer and how empty I felt without Frankie, having my new wheelie side kick with me to do outdoor things feels so good.

I’ve had a few people upset that I will be taking Frankie’s Facebook page down in June. While they respect my decision, they were sad to hear this. I’m so glad so many loved that little dog, and as you know, I loved her so very dearly. I would likely not have Joie, if it were not for Frankie.  She gave me the gift of opening my heart to another disabled doxie.

It is time to keep moving forward though, and I’ve felt that strongly with Frankie lately. I’d actually been ignoring the thoughts that kept popping in my head about her page. I wasn’t ready for that step yet.  But after receiving the beautiful shadow box of Frankie’s things from my friend, Cassy, it all made sense, that yes, it was time.

I’ve moved all her photos and created two albums on my Facebook page, as well as on National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day page, so she will always be there for anyone who wants to visit her there. She is not going away… but I just feel this is a new place for her to rest more at peace.

Some have suggested a page for Joie, but that does not feel right to me. Joyful Paws is what I am about, so it seems fitting to carry on the mission Frankie helped me begin via my Facebook page, etc.

The other interesting part to it all, is I needed to do this for Frankie. For me. She taught me not to worry so much what others thought of my choices, to define my own path, and to follow my heart. It is exactly what I am doing. If I’d do anything other than this, I feel like I would be letting her down. And so it is. The right thing to do. I rest easy in my decision and I know Frankie moves lighter in spirit.

It is time for Joie to fill a new place in our hearts and leave tire tracks to a new path… whatever that path may be is yet to be determined. But I feel strongly that letting go as completely as possible– without ever forgetting– is the way to new life and new possibilities. I can’t imagine Frankie would want that any other way.