Amy thank you for posting those pictures. They have made the tears roll down my face again as well as your beautiful post. Smokey was a very special little boy indeed. I loved hearing how he was first in the lake and loved to lay in the dirt. My Ripley looks so much like a young Smokey and is also glued to my side. We call him my velcro dog. When I leave the house he stays in the window until I come home. I wish I could reach through the computer and give your mom a hug. I know the pain she is feeling. Losing your "shadow" must be a terrible feeling. She looks around and there is no one there.

My two toy poodles were already about 6 and 7 years old when I had skin kids. Though one lived to be 17 (I know he has been by Smokey's side since he went to the RB) the children really considered them "my" dogs. The dogs they remember are the ones we got as puppies when they were older.

I know you loved Smokey. Gosh we all did. Tell your mom each day will get easier but she will probably look for that little black furry body every now and then or listen for the click of his little nails on the kitchen floor. I know Nebo and Reggie will help pull her through this. (((hugs))) to you both!