In Loving Memory of Ranger ♥

So, you might have noticed that last week I stopped posting after Wednesday. I had planned on having more posts, but I wasn't really up to it. 

Last week my dog passed away in his sleep. I wasn't even really sure I wanted to post about it, but I kind of just needed to get it out, and I want to put something on my blog in memory of him. So, I'm going to tell you all a bit about him. I know most of you aren't following my blog to hear about my dog, but I hope that you can put up with my blabbering for a little bit. 

♥   IN LOVING MEMORY OF RANGER   ♥

November 4, 1995 - February 2, 2012

His name was Ranger, and he was 16 years old. My brother and I got him for Christmas in 1995. 

On Christmas Eve at our family Christmas party we opened up a big cardboard box and inside...there he was. He was black, so of course, our name suggestions were pretty literal. I wanted to call him Black Beauty because...well I was four, I loved the movie, and he had a bright white star-shaped spot on his chest. My brother wanted to name him Black Power Ranger because we used to watch the Power Rangers all the time...so my mom suggested Ranger, and that's what we named him. 

He was the first pet we ever had, and with all the pets we had following him he was almost a maternal figure, which was funny because he was a boy, but also so adorable. He'd clean our rabbits or hamsters with his tongue, and make sure they were safe. We always joked that he should have been a mommy. Once my mom's friends had some little ducklings and he was watching them and making sure they stayed away from the stairs and one bit his nose and he didn't even care, he just kept watching them. He was so selfless, and he had so much love to give.

He grew up with me, and he was one of the best friends I could have ever asked for. If I was sad, he'd give me a big kiss, and wouldn't stop until I was laughing instead of crying. If I needed a hug, or if he needed one, he'd rub along my side and nestle in my arms. He was an amazing dog, an amazing friend, and a beloved family member. He lived a long, happy life, and he had the best bark in the whole world....and yes, I'm going to stick with that claim. I'd come home, and he'd welcome me with an "arrroooo-oooo." It was almost musical, and my mom and I agreed that our only regrets with him were not getting that sound recorded, and not taking enough pictures. We have plenty when he was younger, but not many of him recently. Still, I'm going to share some of the pictures I do have with you all.

Here's Ranger posing with me in my grad dress....he didn't like me picking him up like that. He's got his "seriously you're making me pose" face on.

 Big Yawn...and look at that tongue. :P

Cute one on the couch.

Arroooo-oooo ♪♫ Either that or he's growling because we were teasing him...both make me smile though.

My boy with a shaggy haircut. :)

I'm going to miss him so much, and it's going to be so hard to get used to not having him around, but I'm so grateful for the time that he had with us, and I'm glad that he went peacefully...and that he got a nice big supper on his last night. I'm trying to remember the wonderful memories of him that I do have, and not dwell on the fact that he's gone, but I know that will take some adjusting. He was such a big part of my life that it's hard not to notice he's gone...and I know I'll never stop missing him, nor will my love for him ever fade. He was the best dog I could have ever asked for.

I love you, Ranger, and I'll never forget you. I miss you baby boy. ♥

Thanks for listening guys, and I hope that all of your family, friends and pets are doing well and live long and happy lives. But for now, don't forget to love them, enjoy and spend as much time with them as you can. It's those moments that you'll always cherish, so make sure that you have plenty.

Best Wishes,