The Changing of the Guard...

Sorry it's been so long since a post...we've had a few irons in the fire. First, I'll get the sad news out of the way in this post, and tomorrow I'll try to remember the camera and post new pictures of our Lilly- growing like a WEED!

Hydro Maros 2002-2008

Last Monday (the 14th) we made the very difficult decision to put our beloved Hydro down. The medicine wasn't keeping up with the tumors anymore, and they had grown to the point of making him choke when he ate, he couldn't sleep for more than a half hour at a time because he was uncomfortable, he was constantly hungry and thirsty and the tumors were sticking out all over him. Coupled with this, Lilly had begun to love feeding him, climbing on him, etc. And while he was tolerant for the time being, we couldn't chance him becoming intolerant. Hydro would never hurt Lilly, but a very sick and in pain Hydro may not make the same decision, and he could have really mamed her or worse, given his size. So, that Monday Hydro and I took a long walk around the property in the fresh snow (he was exhausted when we got back, but still happy). Then in the afternoon, Chris & I took him to the vet. It was an awful thing- to see your best pal "go to sleep" like that. Chris & I were beside ourselves with tears and grief. Hydro is buried on our property under an apple tree that will never be disturbed. I know he's "just" a dog, but he was our friend, companion and protector, and we miss him every day.

We were unprepared for how broken we would be over this. We believe we made the right decision, but we just fell apart- especially when Lilly would call for Hydro. SO, like everyone says, the best way to heal the pain is to get another dog. Later that week Chris came home with a sable colored 12 week old german shepherd...we named him Rocco. He's awfully cute, very loving, limited in his chewing although he is an avid binky stealer. He's doing VERY well with his house training and is great with Lilly (who is happy to give him cheerios if he'll share his rawhide, which is gross). He's no Hydro, but he's a good distraction and is quickly becoming a member of the fam. He's also a bold guy and despite his puppy-ness will bark like crazy at anyone new. If he's seen you before, you only get a few barks, but if not, you get the 4 star treatment. Good boy! Here's the new guard...

Meet Rocco Maros