This week, it became evident to Toby and I that our yellow lab, Sierra, is really struggling with her age. Her hips have long been an issue with terrible arthritis. And now, we noticed that her eyes are getting cloudy. So a trip to the vet this week revealed that she has a degenerative condition that will eventually lead to cataracts or blindness. We decided to put her on a prescription dog food that should help her joint issues a bit...but time will tell. The kids sense that something serious is going on, so they are all pitching in to help with her. Just the other night, I found Alaira laying with Sierra, brushing her over and over...with her own hairbrush! Ugh! But it was a precious moment and so I let it slide.
Having pets can be very heartwarming and sweet, yet it has its moments of frustration and impending heartbreak as well. These are good lessons for the kiddos to learn and experience. Learning responsibility, gratitude, patience, hard work (cleaning up poop in the yard teaches that!), tenderness and the reality that every life eventually comes to an end, are lasting life moments. We don't know how much longer Sierra will be with us, but we cherish these moments to give her comfort and kindness.
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