Life Lesson #8

Some days - it's not the conversation - it's the company.

Best Friends are priceless.

Abbey & Due - Summer of 2010

Life Lesson #7

SNOW - and lots of it...

It's a Good Thing!

Life Lesson #6

EMPTY THE TOY BASKET

AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

Due helped!

And I do mean the ENTIRE Toy Basket!

Life Lesson # 5

HAVE A FIRE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

Even better - make sure there's a dog bed in front of it!

Life Lesson #4

FAMILIES come in many forms.

Mom, Tutu (Mom's Mom) Deborah & Dana

with me & Due in Central Park. Fall 2009

If you're very lucky - you have several families.

The one you were born into.

The ones that you create.

Mom and I are very lucky!

We love our "real" family -

but we don't know what we'd do without our "created" family.

So here's to Due, and his peeps, Tom & Deborah, and of course to Aunt Dana.

You ARE my family - and that makes me one lucky pup!

(Mom feels the same I can assure you).

Life Lesson #3

Make Time to Sit On a Bench - In the Sun!

Sometimes - you just need to take a moment - and sit.

Enjoy what's around you.

The people. The flowers. The DOGS!

ABBEY'S LIFE LESSONS
1. Everything is Better with BACON
2. Leaf Dive Whenever Possible

3. Make Time to Sit on a Bench - In the Sun

Life Lesson #2

It's Monday - and I promised Abbey I would continue with her Life Lesson posts. Here is Lesson #2:

Leaf Dive Whenever Possible

You know you did it as a child. Why not now?

There's no better way to celebrate the fall than diving in a big wet pile of leaves!

Go out - find your nearest pile of leaves - AND DIVE RIGHT IN!

It will make you smile!

ABBEY'S LIFE LESSONS

1. Everything is Better with BACON

2. Leaf Dive Whenever Possible

Thank You

Abbey & Wendy in Central Park, Summer 2009

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their heartwarming thoughts and offers of condolence upon the passing of my beloved, Abbey. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of wishes from so many. You have touched my heart. I miss her everyday - but am grateful for the memories we shared, and for the friends we've made along the way. - Wendy

My Love

June 4, 2001 - October 26, 2010

Abbey Marie

It came too quick. Abbey's cancer progressed faster than I had ever imagined. 2 weeks ago we were playing in her beloved Central Park. Today I had to let her go. She had difficulty breathing - and lost her strength. She gave me everything - she didn't deserve to suffer - and she let me know it was time.

Thank you to all of our friends and family here in NYC, around the country and in the blogworld. You have touched our hearts. As promised Abbey left behind a notebook full of her "life lessons" . She taught me something every day. Remembering those lessons makes me smile.

I will take a few days to try to let my broken heart mend just a little- but she made me promise to share her lessons - so I will. I promised her that I would post a new ALL (Abbey Life Lesson) every Monday.

As much as I mourn the loss of my dear Abbey, I celebrate the life and love that we shared.

Wendy, Forever Abbey's Mom

For those who wish to honor Abbey - please check out the following links

Forever Friends Golden Rescue in California helps many Goldens in need:

www.foreverfriendsgoldenrescue.com

Bideawee in New York City took great care of Abbey. They have a rescue operation as well.

www.bideawee.org

TLC

TLC comes in many forms......

Being near my love

Due has come over every day. Just having him around has been a comfort - even if I don't feel like playing. I've noticed that he's dividing his attentions between me & Mom. We both are benefiting from his brand of TLC.

Pretty flowers from Miss Dawn.....

Back Scratches from Auntie Dana....

Of course Mom needed a little TLC as well - so there was wine and

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES from Magnolia Bakery (thanks to Aunt D)

(the biscuits were for me of course)

And fall flowers from Miss 'Liv....

Mom and I both are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received.

We are relaxing. Watching as many movies as possible in a 48-hr period.

Most importantly - we are spending time with each other.

Ben - Please thank your Mom for her suggestion about rotating food. You were right. Boiled chicken was fine once. Then it was Chicken & Bacon. Somehow that didn't smell appetizing today...(which is hard to believe since BACON was involved.) Mom fixed me a bowl of scrambled eggs this afternoon...I ate the whole thing. I hear HAMBURGERS are on the list.

Life Lesson #1

As promised, this is the beginning of my series of posts on Abbey's Life Lessons. I got the idea from my TV crush, LeRoy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) of NCIS. Gibbs has many rules - I like to think of them as lessons. Here we go...

EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH

BACON

NO - Not this BACON

THIS BACON....

Just in case you might doubt my wisdom on this, try adding a little crumble of crispy BACON to a frozen Weight Watchers Mac 'n Cheese "Smart Ones".

Trust me....it's better with BACON*.

And that, Is Abbey's Life Lesson #1.

Please note: By BACON, I mean the real thing. This does NOT include turkey bacon, or so called "Bac-O's" . I have never tried "Beggin' Stripes" but again - it's all imitation of the real thing.

One thing Mom and I agree on REAL FOOD. We might have to eat less of it - but it's 100x better (and better for you) than fake food. At least that's our story and we're stickin' to it!

Note from Abbey's Mom: Abbs isn't very hungry these days and I thought we found the answer in boiled chicken breasts. That wasn't working this morning - so on Ben's suggestion....I took a piece of chicken - topped it with a bite of BACON - viola. She didn't eat a lot - but she ate some. Ah - the beauty of bacon!

You Had Me At Hello

Date Night with Due

Before I begin tonight's post I would like to thank everyone for their kind and loving messages. Mom and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have received from around the globe. One of the many things that I have learned is "There Are DOG People. PERIOD." We are privileged to know you. Now for tonight's post...

Mom spoke with one of our favorite vets today, Dr. Solomon from Bideawee. She mentioned how Due had been over the other night and was helping me by just being there - and getting me to eat some biscuits. Dr. Solomon mentioned that this journey will be hard on Due as it is for the peeps. She thought it would help if we spent some time together.

Mom went and grabbed Du around 3pm this afternoon. We hung out. Watched some TV. (Where's an NCIS marathon when you need one). He got me to eat some chicken. And we napped. We had some biscuits. We napped.

Due's Dad, Tom came to pick him up around 8:30 this evening. Mom and I went out with them as far as the curb and headed back in. As we very visiting with Alberto - (one of my favorite doormen) - I saw Du was still outside the big double doors to our building. His Dad explained that he put the brakes on and didn't want to leave. He offered to let him sleep over.

You have to understand that Due's Dad is the Top Alpha Dog. He's the Pack Leader. Du loves him more than I love BACON. He turns into a Velcro dog around his Pop. Not tonight. Due chose me over his dad. He came back upstairs and didn't look back.

Mom figured this might last for a few minutes. Mom was wrong. Due and I are curled up for the night. We're going to hold onto each other as long as we can.

I am one lucky dog. It doesn't matter where you live. It doesn't matter how many dog beds you have. How many cars you have to ride in. What matters are the loved ones you share your life with. 2, 3 or 4 legged. It's their hearts that matter. Mine is swelling with more love than I ever thought was possible.

So I'm going to go cuddle with my Du, dream about my Ben and be thankful for all the love in my life. Of course Mom is still looking for George Clooney - but that's another story all together.

The Journey Begins

Best Friends....and a few biscuit crumbs

We got the test results today and I could have told you what the Doc was going to say. I've known for a few days - but I just didn't know how to let Mom in on it. I already told you guys - she's a weeper.

I have cancer. A whoopin' tumor in my lung...and it's spread throughout both my lungs. (At least I think I have 2 lungs - what do I know - I didn't go to Medical School). Anyways - it's zapping my energy, making it hard for me to breath - and the worse part - no appetite. Chemo is not really an option. We could try - but even the experts at AMC said it would not help - and the side effects would make me miserable with the little time I have left.

The Doc said it could be days - maybe a week or two. Mom made me promise to let her know when it's time. And I will. See I may be going - but I know I will be in Mom's heart forever. (I have that effect on people)

This is tough. I'm not done. I thought I'd have more time. I have a lot of lessons left to teach her. (Come on people, let's face it - we ALL know she's a work in progress) I've worked very hard these last 9 years. Teaching her that it's ok to have your heart broken - (although we both could have done without THAT particular lesson, Cowboy). I taught her that NYC is a great place to live. I taught her that when you think you're homesick for Washington, DC - maybe that just means you need to spend more time in Central Park. (Seriously - best place IN THE UNIVERSE). I taught her that you can find love - just look at me and Due. I also taught her that you can find love online (Ben - be still my heart). OK - fine. 2-timing your hometown love with an internet romance is wrong - IF YOU HAVE 2 LEGS - it's fine for 4 legged - or in Ben's case 3 legged). Seriously Mom - have you heard about match.com - all the kids are doing it!

I didn't get around to all the lessons. Before I teach her how to say goodbye - I want to teach her that it's okay to love another golden girl. In fact I insist upon it. She has many more lessons to learn and I can't do it all myself. I'm sure Due will help - but he needs a golden girl too.

So although I fear I have made my last trip to Central Park - please don't feel sorry for me. It's been a great ride. I love my Mom - and she loves me. We have amazing friends. I got to cover the New Hampshire primary. I got to spend a month with Miss Sarah while Mom was in Denver for the DNCC. I have my own business. I get to have sleepovers at the boyfriends! I have a great bunch of care-givers* who look after me when Mom's out of town. I've been interviewed on television. And I have my own blog. HOW COOL IS THAT!

The photo above is from last night. Due came over to keep me comfy. AWWWW. We'll keep you posted. I'm going to start a series of posts called: "Abbey's Life Lessons". Someone's got to write them down so Mom doesn't forget!

So do me a favor....pups - hug your peeps. Peeps - hug your pups. LOVE - it's the most important feeling in the world....even when it seems to break your heart.

-Abbey

*To my special circle of care-givers - do me a favor and look after Mom when I take my journey. Make sure she finds her way back to our Park. Make sure she teaches "the little one" all about my favorite places - including the LAKE and the Bethesda Fountain!! And most importantly - make sure she teaches the little one the joys of

B A C O N !!!!!!!

Abbey Update #1

My cab ride this morning.

First of all - a big shout out to the NYC cabbie who picked us up today for our journey from Bideawee Clinic on E 38th to the AMC on E 62.

I don't take cabs often - and Mom even brought a blanket so I would not leave too much Abbey Fur behind. (Like someone might find too much of me a problem) The cabbie was very nice to both us of and we were very grateful.

Second of all - a big THANK YOU to everyone who left a message of encouragement on my blog. Hearing from so many friends helped our spirit. I know it means the world to me - and I know it helps Mom as well. Let's face it - she's a weeper.

At AMC this morning they did a needle aspiration to test the mass on my lung. We'll get the results tomorrow and will let everyone know what it all means. Of course in order to do this they shaved a circle on my left side. The same side with my scar from the cancer of '06 on my elbow. The same side as my bum ear. It just that means that now when you take photos of me - I do have a good side (the right side)! I think all the bumps and scars just add character!

Due is coming over to hang out for a bit tonight to keep me company. I think it's so the 2 legged ones can have wine and pizza and stare at me. I'll be fine. It's a journey. Not sure where this one is leading me - but it will be an adventure.

I promise to keep you up to date. (I think making Mom type for me and take photos will keep her preoccupied so she doesn't worry too much - at least that's my plan).

Abbey

Say A Prayer for Abbs

Abbey's Mom here. Abbey has not been feeling well for the past week. She hasn't been eating - except for a biscuit here and there. After a week of this we headed to the vet this morning.

An x-ray seems to indicate that the cancer she fought 4 years ago - has returned. This time to her lungs. Abbey is staying at the vets for the next 48 hours. She'll get some fluids - and we're hoping that this is just a little lung infection - and after some fluids, etc - she'll bounce back. After all - we didn't see a tumor - just cloudy lungs. Of course we never went to medical school and had no idea what we were looking at! We'll see. The next 24 hours will tell.

We have an appointment with Abbey's oncologist at the Animal Medical Center on Thursday. If the fluids don't do the trick - that's the next step. And yes, Abbey has an oncologist.

In the meantime - please keep Abbey in your thoughts and prayers. I did take a snapshot of her at the vet's this morning - but she looked so sad I don't think that's how she'd like you to think of her. So this is one of my favorite pics - one happy (and silly) pup.

We will let you know as soon as we have news. In the meantime I'm heading back to see my girl this afternoon loaded up with her favorite biscuits - and favorite toys. We're taking the squirrel , the bunny, and of course - her very own Air Force One.

UPDATE: Tues. 5:30pm. I just got back from visiting hours. Abbs is responding well to the IV fluids and antibiotics. She's eaten almost a whole can of Wellness Turkey - and had SEVERAL biscuits with me. (Her favorites are the Tartar Check Biscuits from Nutro.

Our appointment with the oncologist has been moved up to 11:30am tomorrow. I will post an update following that visit.

Meet Cooper

Coop(er) is the newest member of the Brunch Bunch.

He's a 10 week old rescue from Tennessee. Border Collie & Flat Coat Retriever Mix.

Face it - he's just plain adorable.

Michael was a very proud Poppa.

And Max was a very sweet big brother. Max knows the routine - as Michael rescued him several years ago. I'm sure he'll show Coop the ropes.

Of course since Coop was getting all the "OMG it's a PUPPY attention" - Max did what any smart pup would do - he found the nearest table where he could work his charm and get bagels from a baby! Trust me - he worked it well!

I guess brunch can be pretty exhausting if you're not use to it. But then there's nothing wrong with catching a little shut-eye in Central Park!

Ah...October...

Saturday morning in the Park.

Perfect.

My ' Liv

Meet my friend 'Liv (short for Olivia of course).

She came to NYC to work on a special project last week - and stayed over the weekend to play with us (meaning ME). I had to take her to Central Park for our Saturday morning ritual. After all, this is what we city girls do.

The weekend was full of NYC fun. A Broadway play on Saturday night. Late night dessert after at the neighborhood coffee shop. Breakfast on Sunday (at the same coffee shop), the annual Broadway Flea Market (props, costumes, etc - great fun - I hear), shopping in SoHo, Lobster Rolls from Luke's on E 81st.

I was excluded from all of the above activities with the exception of Central Park. Do you think it had anything to do with the fact that they caught me rolling on a dead squirrel in the Park?

I'm a DOG, people. It's what I do!

I hear Miss 'Liv is coming back to help Mom out with the New Year's Eve coverage from Times Square this year. Do you think if I refrain from further dead squirrel rolling - they'll let me hang out with them to watch the ball drop? And why does the ball drop? Can I chase it?

My Beloved....PARK

We made our first journey to Central Park in over a month. There's so much to do we might have to go back tomorrow!

First - there's a little culture at the entrance to the Park off 5th Avenue and 60th Street.

Then it's time for some rollin'

And rompin'

A little tete a tete with the Boss...

Some stick chewin'...

And rock climbin'

Put that together and you have ONE HAPPY DOG!

Now it's time to nap. Being happy is exhausting!

I hope you all enjoyed your adventures this weekend!

Wild Night

Wow! Now THAT was a storm!

Last night's thunderstorm was a whopper. Fortunately for us - the bulk of the damage was in Brooklyn and Queens. We were fine here in Manhattan.

Truth be known - the lightning made Mom jump - I on the other hand - just chilled - until it was over. We went for a quick spin in the neighborhood. All trees standing. All power on!

Thanks to everyone for checking on us. We're fine....and TOMORROW we're heading back to Central Park! We haven't been to my Park since the incident with the fountain (and the surgery on my ear that followed).

I promise to post a full report tomorrow. Well - Mom will post and I will be in my post-park coma!

Always Remember

Ira Block (c) National Geographic 2002

Today we remember all of those lost on September 11, 2001.

We're new New Yorkers. We moved here post 9-11. I never saw the Towers -

although Mom tells me they were magnificent.

As we walked to the vets this morning - past the UN - we were surprised to see over 30 NYPD squad cars. The command bus was there. Officers were gathered getting their assignments for the day. Everyone was on high alert. It was another reminder that things will never be as they were prior to the attacks on America.

Today we honor those who lost their lives on that brisk, beautiful September morning.

For some - they had merely gone to the office that day - for others - they rushed into harms way to do their job - savings others.

We came across this post today at Wild About Pets. It tells the story of many of the search and rescue dogs who helped out at Ground Zero and the Pentagon.

So on this, another beautiful brisk September morning in NYC - Remember the families of those lost, the first responders who still suffer the aftereffects, and those who decided that day to serve their country in response.

Always Remember.

Weekend in Connecticut - Day 3

Yes - I think I'm a weekend in the country kind of gal after all.

Just trying to soak up a little more (conefree) sunshine before heading back to the city.

Thanks to Due & Co. for a lovely weekend!

Home please. I'll stretch out in the backseat here - maybe take a nap.

Wake me up when we're home!

The perfect weekend!

Weekend in Connecticut - Day 2

Saturday morning started with an outing to Litchfield, CT.

A beautiful colonial town with it's own white stemple church on the village green.

Then there was shopping....

and we waited.

More shopping...

And even more shopping....

Even though I promised to keep my tail in check - Mom was afraid I'd swing through

the antique shops and knock every thing over. So Due and I waited...AGAIN.

What can I say - I think I was meant for the country life!

We hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend as well.

A special thanks to Tom (Due's Dad) for keeping us

company while the Moms shopped! (And shopped)

Weekend in Connecticut- Part 1

We're packed and ready and hitting the road...to Connecticut!

Due and his peeps have spent an entire week relaxing at a lake house in Bethlehem, CT.

Mom and I headed up to join them for the weekend.

The most important word being LAKE of course.

(NOTE: Abbs was allowed to de-cone for the drive once she settled into the car)

Check out this lake. I was so excited I ran ahead and forgot to let Mom take off the cone.

I just had to check things out. A dock - a canoe - a LAKE.

Oops. Guess I should have waited for the de-coning before jumping in!

Due is NOT a fan of the water - so he had to check me over once I was back safely on the dock.

Then it's back to the deck for the rubdown.

Mom gave me a serious toweling off. Due wanted no part of this. Per vet's instructions Mom dried me off and then some! I could lay here all afternoon for a rubdown. The ears were flushed and cleaned. I was then allowed to dry off in the sunshine - au natural.

Yes - this is the portrait of one Happy Dog!

We had a great time with Due and the Peeps. We got home a few hours ago and promise to post more pictures of our adventures tomorrow.

Time to nap. Weekends in Connecticut are exhausting!