It went very well yesterday morning. I spent an hour and a half visiting with Pat and Roger in their home and acquainting them with Abner, who as it turned out, got on perfectly well with their dog. No incidents. He warmed up quickly to the new surroundings, and looked very happy. By the time I left, I didn’t see any signs of stress in him at all, and he spent more time soliciting Roger for rubs and loves than he did me. They have a very big yard to play in, and he has a friend.

Best of all, I feel at peace.

(This is what he thought of being shuffled into a pose for a group picture).

I miss him. But I was so happy with his new situation, that it wasn’t until I came home that I shed a tear. When Nate showed me this.

Veronica, my 4 year old, drew this while we were gone. I can’t look at it without crying.

In a way, I suppose I am grateful to have gotten that very rude, anonymous comment. It was the catalyst for the chain of events that led to very quickly finding Abner a good home.

It’s amazing to me how I can feel so happy, and so sad at the same time.

I’m glad we’re moving soon. In the new house, I won’t be half-consciously looking for him in his usual spots like I am now, only to be constantly reminded that he’s not there.