Heidi, is that you?

Ickey is one of those dogs that rarely ever barks, so when he does, it’s an unusual phenomenon.

Three days ago, as we were walking the dogs, a big cat flashes across someone’s front yard, only to quickly disappear into the foliage. Ickey lets out two booming barks, and goes into high alert – ears high, body tense and alert, and tail up in the air. He pulls on his leash and keeps scanning the neighborhood for that cat again. Ickey is not a dog that normally chases cats, so this is rare behavior for him.

The cat had very similar  coloring to Heidi – black fur mixed with patches of tan and white. We wondered if Ickey, who only has one good eye, thought that cat might have been his sister Heidi and thereby continued to search for her during our walk.

It was a bittersweet thought, as it reminded us of how much we all missed Heidi, but also reminded us how she was not forgotten and continued to live in our hearts.

Ickey, that cat unfortunately wasn’t your sister, but look deeply in your heart, and you will find her forever safe in there.

Heidi-Ickey_Backyard

Ickey and Heidi chewing tennis balls on a sunny day in the backyard, as Michelle waits for her opportunity to pounce

A butterfly kiss

After P and Heidi passed away, we’ve been much more aware of looking for signs that may let us know that they are in a safe and happy place now.

Today, as I was walking Ickey and Michelle, a small golden butterfly landed very briefly on the back of Ickey’s neck, then softly fluttered away. I imagined that that was a sign from our sweet Heidi girl, giving her much loved little brother a soft kiss before having to go.

Since Heidi’s passing, Ickey has been acting more tired and sad. I felt the butterfly kiss was Heidi’s way of letting him know that he is still loved and she is thinking of him.

Below is one of my favorite photos of Heidi and Ickey, taken on one of the best days of my life during a family road trip to Duck Creek, Utah. We found a beautiful clearing with a babbling brook running through a wide open field, and the dogs were so happy having new adventures. I remember telling myself at that time to savor this moment- to take in the peace, beauty, and wonder of this very special day. And I remember feeling incredibly blessed to be able to share that moment with my husband and our three musketeers. Thank you Heidi for being such a gift. You are much loved and much missed.

Heidi-Ickey_Duck-Creek

Ickey and Heidi at Duck Creek, Utah in 2012

Beautiful Day

Today was such a beautiful day. We took Ickey and Michelle to the park. The leaves were starting to fall. A constant reminder that life doesn’t stand still and that we should treasure each moment.

Ickey and Michelle at the Park

Ickey and Michelle at the Park

We purchased some flowers to remind ourselves of the dogs that are currently at Rainbow Bridge.

Flowers for Heidi & P-

Flowers for Heidi & P-

Heidi is a wild flower. P- is a golden snapdragon.

What flower would Michelle be? That’s an easy one — a giant sunflower because she always wanted to be bigger and stronger than Heidi.

Ickey’s Dream

What do you dream about when you fall asleep Ickey? Do you dream of Heidi?

Ickey and Michelle in Orderly's Office

Ickey and Michelle in Orderly’s Office

Do you remember how when Heidi first came to live with us, she was very shy and afraid. Toys? No thanks. I rather sit here and not get in trouble. Pack mates? Heidi would bark and growl if Ickey and Michelle tried to get close to her.

Heidi and Ickey playing with toys

Heidi and Ickey playing with toys

After a couple of months, Heidi was more comfortable in the house. Toys? Thanks Ickey. Pack mates? Come on Ickey, let’s play next to each other.

Fried Rice for Ickey

Approximately one year ago, my wife and I were sitting at a Chinese restaurant. While we were waiting for our food,  we saw a couple leave the restaurant. When I looked over at their table, I saw that they had left behind a plate of fried rice that was virtually untouched.

I pointed out the plate of fried rice to my wife and we both laughed. We both had the same thought in our heads.

Heidi, Michelle, and Ickey at Duck Creek

Heidi, Michelle, and Ickey at Duck Creek

If Michelle, Ickey, and Heidi went to the Chinese restaurant, the owners would have definitively tried to sell the plate of fried rice to Ickey.

Chinese restaurant owner: Ickey, you should get the fried rice. It’s today’s special

Ickey: oh okay

:::Owner hands Ickey the fried rice:::

Ickey: that was quick.

I think I remember this story today because I knew that Heidi loved Ickey and that she would have wanted us to look after Ickey.