Never quite the same

It is with a heavy heart that I'm sharing this post.  Our beloved dog passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last week.  Delmar was getting ready to celebrate his tenth birthday and he has been a part of our family for the last nine years.  He was hit by a car and we are devastated.  Jason and I buried him on July 4th, wrapped up in his U.S. map blanket that he used to sleep on during our many road trips.  I don't think our family will quite be the same without him.  I don't think he could have loved us more and I don't think we ever could have loved him back enough.

We adopted Delmar when we moved to Georgia in 2005.  We only had two children at the time.  

Delmar was my "doggy doula" when I gave birth to Leila and Sarah.  He never left my side.  He was right there getting splashed when my water broke.  

Delmar survived the chaos that came with a second set of twins.  He was so gentle and patient.

He was born to be an Army brat.  Delmar rode along as we moved over and over again.  He visited more than 40 states and lived with us in the RV when we were on the road.  He was the best traveling companion.

He literally never left my side.  He loved me far more than I deserved to be loved.

Delmar went with us everywhere... to the mountains, the beaches, the deserts, and everywhere in between.

He was scared of dog bones.

He put up with us when we were silly.

 He was more trustworthy than any human.

We brought him on our family vacations... to the Grand Canyon, to the Rocky Mountains, to South Dakota, California, Texas, and all over the country.

He kept us safe when I was traveling across the country while Jason was deployed.  He guarded our children as if his life depended on it.  And he never complained.  He never asked for anything in return.

He was happy to lead or follow.  It didn't really matter, as long as he was with us.

Delmar may have been "just a dog" but he was the best dog I've ever known.  I will always regret that I didn't get to say good-bye, thank him, and let him know how very much he was loved.  The kids will miss their furry backseat companion on long car rides.  Amelia will miss growing up with her "doe doe" and I am not sure when I will stop turning around to see if he's there behind me.

We will always love you, Delmar.  Thanks for being the best dog and best friend ever.  You'll be greatly missed.