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Monday, November 22, 2010


It's been one week since my angel crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

I take comfort in the fact she's never going to be scared of the seizures she suffered. Peace is starting to find it's way into my heart and our home.

Deprogramming myself from how we structured our life around Betty may take awhile. I still find myself checking the time constantly to make sure I'm not late giving Betty one of her many anti-seizure pills. When one of the  Smushies is dreaming and running in their sleep, I get anxious thinking it's a seizure! Poor kids have been woken up so many times this week they're sleep deprived....

Despite my sadness, I know the circle of life continues on. If it weren't for Betty, I don't think I would have learned how incredibly special the French Bulldog Rescue Network is. If it weren't for Betty, we would have never welcomed needy Frenchies into our home, like Rini, Newman and Marge, who are all living out a life they may not have had if it weren't for FBRN.  My dedication to rescue and for FBRN will always be in Betty's honor and memory.

 I miss her so much, but the tears are starting to ebb a little. Everyone's support and love has made a huge difference. Snuggling with Stella, Gunther and Marge has been helping a lot too. 

Love to all our friends,
Shannon and the Smushies


24 comments:

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I am glad that thingys are getting a bit easier fur you.

♥ Sallie said...

Think of happy memories and know that you are loved by many.

Hugs,

dw said...

Though it may take a while to get through all the sadness, I know you'll have tons of great memories of Betty that you will carry with you always. Thank you for sharing her with all of us through this blog.

Archie and Melissa said...

hi shannon!
your post is so beautiful. your love for betty radiates in every word and she is always always with you.
she is helping you to feel better each day because she loves you with all of her heart.
you are all so special.
we love you!
m & e

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We honor Bettys memory with her legacy of helping others
Bettys legacy will live on forever, in all of our hearts and allow other frenchies to get help too.
She suffers no more.....
we love you all
"circle of paws around you"
tweedles

Kitty+Coco said...

We are so so glad you are doing better. That pic of Betty is beautimous.

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

I'm still so sorry for your loss. I completely understand the 'deprogramming' part - I had a 20 year old miniature poodle named TaiChi, who had kidney problems for the last couple years of her life (no surprise at her age), and I would give her fluids to help her kidneys, and invariably, she'd have to go out in the middle of the night. She slept right next to me, so I trained myself to wake up at the slightest movement; after she crossed the bridge it took me about 6 months to learn to learn to sleep through the night. TaiChi also require a fair amount of meds, and I still wake up in the middle of the night some nights thinking that I've forgotten to give her her meds before I realize that I don't have to do that. The good news is that now, all of these memories make me smile, and I remember her when she was younger and healthier. It will come in time. Hugs to you.

-Dr. Liz (Fiona and Abby's Mom)

Those Elgin Pugs said...

~Thinking of you all~

and that photo of all of them made me smile~

keeping you and your family in our thoughts~

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We are glad to hear that it is getting a bit easier for you.

It takes time but just remember that Betty will be with you in your heart forever.

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

You are starting to heal. That's wonderful and it's how it should be. It's how it has to be. I hope you have a peaceful holiday and continue to find comfort in the doggies you've helped and most of all in the ones that share your life right now.

lotsa licks and love, Lola

Diane said...

Glad to hear things are getting a bit better. xoxoxo Diane

the booker man said...

miss shannon,

me and asa and mama are glad that you are startin' to feel a little bit better. miss betty gave you lots of beautimous memories, and we hope that soon those memories will put a big smiley on your face and replace the sadness.

*huggles*
the booker man

Minnie Moo said...

Loves you and you are in our thoughts still.

Muah,

Minnie Moo

Dog Foster Mom said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Betty was an amazing dog and you were very lucky to have each other, although I know it wasn't for long enough. Thank you for sharing your life with her and for sharing her with us through your blog. Hugs!

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

Miss Betty is sure missed here too. There are dogs that come into your life for a reason.

Ok Happy thoughts now. We hope you all feel better soon and Stella and Gunther...Sorry you are loosing sleeps but we both had a giggle over your tired eyes pic.


Wags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo

Kelly said...

I continue to think of you daily, miss Shannon.

So many of us can relate to what you are going through, and I hope there is some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. The hardest part about this phase of grief is that smiling makes you feel guilty. Just feeling happiness makes you feel wrong. Please allow yourself those things. Healing and learning to live life without your Betty does not mean you are moving on, it means you're moving forward and honoring her memory by being you again- the you that she loved. And you deserve that.

Sending you love and comfort,
Kelly & Pearl

Puglette said...

we are still keeping you in our thoughts. the love from stella, gunther and marge sounds so comforting, please give them and extra squeeze from us.
hugs,
puglette
:o)

Hank said...

Just this evening over dinner, Scott and I were laughing over a memory of our Malamute, King, who passed five years ago.

Anything we love is never truly gone.

agent99 said...

thinking of you all....

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

This is such a lovely post. And that is such a wonderful way to honour Betty's memory.
We love this picture of her too!
xo

Anita said...

Although you are all going through a difficult time right now, you did give Betty a wonderful life and she will spend her time across the rainbow bridge with that memory forever.

All our love, snorts and kisses here from NJ where it's snowing right now.

Anita, Basil and Guinness

Ms. ~K said...

Thinking of you today and sending a hug!
~K

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about Betty. I never met her in real life, but I assure you that I too have grown to love her through your blog and am crying for you. Much love from our family to yours...

lolalabulldog said...

So sorry to hear of Betty's passing! She was a lucky sweetheart to be loved so much by you all. And what a beauty. My heart goes out to you.