The Good and Bad

Hello all!

In the last three months since I've written a LOT has changed. Let's start out with the good:

I started dating for the first time, since I broke up with my college boyfriend in 2009, a guy named Tyson Rowland. I have actually known Tyson for four years where I met him and his boxer, Lauren at the Kennel Club. We talked at the club off and on since then but recently I invited Lauren over to play with Gus. Shortly after that he asked me out on a date. I wasn't going to accept but he asked both Gus and I out which I thought was thoughtful of him so I accepted. We've been together since then (August 5th or 6th?).

Gus sorta approves. He's jealous and can be somewhat annoying when Tyson is over but he also likes Tyson so he's a very conflicted doggy. Shona is in love with him and can't get enough of him. She does have an issue with his dog though and they are still getting used to each other. Lauren is a very sweet dog who loves to cuddle which I absolutely adore and have missed. Which brings me to my second piece of news.

Benny passed away on August 29th. He was sick for about 7 days before hand. I have always known that Benny would not live the normal life expectancy of a dog his breed. Epilepsy already shortens their lives and on top of that Benny has been exhibiting sighs of aggression. I had assumed that I would have to make the decision to put Benny to sleep because of aggression issues. I'm very grateful this did not happen and I did not have to make that choice.

My most favorite picture of Benny ever. 

Benny's bowels stopped working. They don't know why but I suspect and I think the vet does too that he had some sort of brain tumor which was also affecting his behavior and causing his seizures. We had several days with him when I knew he was dying. And for many of those days he was happy and got to do things he hadn't been able to do in months. His old steady and sweet temperament was back. His visited Grandma (possibly his favorite person), he went through the drive-through at Bogey's and got a treat, he went on several walks which I can't even remember the last time he could do this because of his anxiety and aggression. So his last few days were spent mostly happy. And we had time to say goodbye. When he left us Monday he gave me deep pressure for the first time in weeks which was always his favorite task and he hadn't been doing because I think it hurt his stomach. It was a beautiful gift to both him and I.

So that has been hard. I miss Benny very much. There will never be another dog quite like him. Benny was completely unique and I am glad he was in my life even if it was only for a short time.

Gus on the Plane

Mother, Gus and I traveled to Chicago last weekend to visit my friend Katie who I have gotten to know through three years of facebook messages and to see my therapist Beth's presentation. We also got to see Andy and Katie while we were there which was so fun! Gus was such a pro! I was unbelievably proud of him. He handled the airplanes and the airports flawlessly. Rode the train without flinching at all and walked the incredible many blocks to the hotel where Beth's presentation was (Andrew, we must have different definitions of "far" because that was very far to us and you told us it wasn't lol). Beth's presentation was extremely emotional. I was glad that I got to see it but I was not expecting to cry the amount of tears I did. Next year I hope to go to the entire National Eating Disorder Awareness Conference  instead of attending just one session. Beth has assured me her presentation was out of the ordinary.



My visit with Katie was so much fun. She has a service dog, Phoenix, who I have heard so much about and finally got to meet. We were as alike in person as we seem over messenger. We have similar mental health issues and similar likes and dislikes. We also look like each other to top it all off. When I met up with her I'm not even sure we said hello and instead just dived right into talking. We didn't stop till 10 hours later at 1:30 AM when we decided we should get some sleep. The rest of the weekend was like that. Constant talking and dog working. I can't wait till I see her again.

Well, that's all for now I think (that's a lot!). I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their fall!

Love,
Kate and Gus