Today… this day, one year in the past… It was a scary, scary day and I cried so many tears. But because I was brave enough to go forward with Rio’s surgery, instead of the 6 weeks to 2 months the oncologist said I’d be lucky to get, I got 11 months, 1 week and 5 days. Those days were filled with ups and downs, good times and bad, but we made the most of them. We shared smiles and tears, sometimes both at the same time. We fell, but then picked ourselves up and kept going.
In the last year of Rio’s life, I think we squeezed in more adventures and more living than we did in the first 11. We took more photos. We shared more ice cream and hamburgers. We went to the beach. We snuggled on the couch. I learned not to take even a brief moment for granted. You’ve got time for one more ear skritchy, one more nose smooch, one more belly rub and one more “I love you.” Take advantage of that time, because life is capricious and there are no guarantees.
To celebrate her life, her spirit and her memory, I made a video scrapbook of my girl. I hope it makes you smile as much as she did me!
That was beautiful. So many happy, hoppy memories!
That was beautiful. I bet they are having a big party up at the bridge today just for Rio.
What a precious girl and lovely tribute….
Cindy & Ruby
great job micki, rio was such a beautiful girl, you guys shared a magical life.
charon & spirit gayle
That was absolutely beautiful! Such a pretty girl. I know you miss her so much and I hope this day brings you at least a little happiness for all the extra time you had with her. Kisses and snout nudges from Zeus and hugs from all the rest of us!
Rio made it a year past her amputation because we changed the rules and made the months into lunar months. That’s a big deal. Although the bigger deal is not how long Rio lived after surgery but how long she lived and successfully fought off cancer, how long she really lived large.
I am not as impressed by the time she lived on 3 legs as I am by how that compact, deceptively-medium-sized, unassuming, fuzzy body housed the spirit of a true warrior. We use that term here a lot, saying that we have a tripawd warrior. I have never encountered any being of any species that fought off so much for so long as Rio. Forget tripawd warrior for just a minute. I’m thinking Neo in “The Matrix.”
You made it a year plus 3, sweet girl. Thank you for showing us all how to really squeeze as much out of life as possible. We miss you terribly, but you did so much good here and deserve a rest.
Shari
Oh, yes, tons of smiles while watching that. What a beautiful girl and what a beautiful life she had with you. She was indeed a true Warrior Princess – a great inspiration to Abby and me on our own journey.
I hope today is full of happy memories of her and you can celebrate your years together.
Jackie, Angel Abby’s mom
Nice job Micki. You didn’t quite get to a year post amp- but I work for the Government so I can officially say ‘close enough’!!
I bet Maggie and the Woo-pug are comparing stories now- not just because they are pug-sisters, but because their cancer journeys were so similar. Well, backward, but similar.
And good advice for appreciating every moment- you just never know.
Karen and the pugapalooza
So unbelievably beautiful and touching!!! Your words about spending time are ringing in my ears Micki. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful slide show. What an obviously loved and happy pack you have. How wonderful that she beat the stats share the year with you.
Judy and Baby
TWP Rio – you will continue to be our inspiration furever!
You were so loved! And the love continues to pour in
Hugs & wags
Joanne & Lylee
Rio, your ampuversary is just as big a reason to celebrate as ever. Thank you for being here to remind all members new and old that it’s not the number of days that really matters, but it’s what we do with those days that truly counts.
We love you, always.