I hate that we are have to tell you all that we once again have lost our beloved pup. Riley was hit by a farm pick up while we were at the farm for a Christmas party. Matt and I were busy helping with party preparations and the dogs were busy having a great time running around the farm as usual. Company started coming down the lane and unfortunately it never dawned on any of us to put our dogs in the fence. Wow, do we wish we could take that back. As people were coming in, Matt ran out to the Jeep to get a cork screw when our lives were turned upside down. Matt's cousin caught him headed to the Jeep and asked, "What happened to the black dog?" Riley is the only black dog in our crew. That's when Matt looked up the lane a little ways and saw Riley laying on the road, motionless. I was still in the kitchen prepping food when my nephew told me that something was wrong. I asked what he meant and that's when he said, "Your dog...". And then I saw Matt carrying Riley in his arms towards the house. As soon as I saw Matt I started running towards him yelling and trying to figure out what had happened. Matt was crying and saying, "I don't think he's alive." We were both immediately in shock. It took Matt's family encouraging us to take him straight to the vet to snap us back into reality. The drive to the vet seemed to take forever...in some ways I wanted it to take a long time just to avoid the news I was certain we were going to hear when we arrived. "I'm sorry, there's no heart beat."
And just like that our family has a big hole in our hearts again. I cannot even begin to explain the pain we have felt over the last week. Honestly, it seems so unfair to be having to go through this again so quickly...we just said goodbye to Jack 15 months ago. With Riley we miss him so much but on top of that the house is so quiet without a puppy running around.
Matt and I told Ava about Riley when we had some time by ourselves later that night but she didn't seem to get it in the moment. The first time that she seemed to start to understand was when we walked in the house and Riley's rawhide was laying on the rug. Ava picked up the rawhide and said, "Where's my Pal Pluto?" Matt and I were both immediately at her side and reminded her that Riley was in Heaven. Ava's response was, "I miss him... I'll call Tootles to go and bring him home." I so wish it was that easy, baby. Ava brings up Riley nightly now often saying about the same thing so it's hard to know for sure what she is thinking and to know what she understands. She usually brings him up by saying, "My dog is gone...we are sad...we love him SO much." But over the weekend she started bringing up specifics that she missed about Riley. While walking down the stairs on Saturday morning Ava mentioned that she missed Riley's kisses when she woke up. She also talked about missing playing ball with him. Our sweet girl definitely misses her pup as much as we do. We continue to try to reassure her that Riley loves her too and even though we are sad now, together we'll get through this.
Riley dog was a great dog. He loved his family but most of all he loved Ava...she was always number one in his book!
Riley dog was a great dog. He loved his family but most of all he loved Ava...she was always number one in his book!
He loved when he was able to ride along to pick her up from daycare! As soon as she got to the care he would attack her with kisses from head to toes. We'd often find Riley snuggled up with Ava in her bed as Matt and I got ready for the day. Ava could do anything to Riley and get away with it. She loved his tail and if she ever pulled too hard he'd just give her hand a lick as if to say "that's enough". Riley loved his family and as long as we were together he was happy. He loved hiking, camping, tailgating, running, chasing ball, and playing with his cousin dogs. Riley, we miss you! No dog will ever be able to take your place. Thank you for loving us with your whole heart!
