When my husband surprised my then 78-year-old father-in-law with a sloppy, glistening black, lanky-legged, Lab-mix rescue puppy, Pop refused the gift on the spot–no thanks.  Reluctantly, I agreed to give the little terror a home.  The last thing I needed to add to my 4 and 5-year-old attachment challenged circus was an unruly, huge-pawed, “eventually”  100 lb. dog.  Little did I know at the time, that puppy would save my heart.  

Swinging from the chandeliers and somewhat incapable of giving or receiving love at the time, my kids were not exactly warm fuzzies waiting for hugs and kisses at the end of the day. Thank goodness I had Frank, unconditionally happy to see me and always game for a walk, a snuggle, or a nap.  I needed Frank to help keep my joy alive. 

Thirteen years later, I say goodbye to my furry friend, who let me cry countless tears into the soft folds of his neck and who cheered me up with shenanigans of his own.  When he let out his last breath today, I felt peace in his passing, a peacefulness he no longer felt in life.  

Love Matters,