I had been meaning to post this first photo on my feed for awhile now. Its printed in 20x30 across from our bed because it makes me so happy to look at this joyful photo of our little family. It means even more to me now that our family will never quite be the same after losing Abel. — Most people who follow me here know how much our pets mean to Brian & I. Over the years we’ve grown our little zoo and have been so lucky to add each of these furry critters to our family. But Abel was the original pack member... even before I met Brian. I adopted him from an animal shelter in Chula Vista almost exactly 9 years ago. The shelter staff was putting this fluffy white puppy with bright blue eyes into his cage at the exact moment I entered the shelter to check out the available dogs — it was kismet. I was 23 years old, had just recently picked up my entire life to move across the country to California and had no idea I was entering the most difficult years of my life. But through it all, I had Abel. — He was there for me through some nasty breakups. He lived with me in a tiny studio apartment in hillcrest when I finally started getting my shit together. He was the catalyst for my second date with Brian when we took Abel to the dog park together so I could make sure he approved of the man who would become my husband. He walked me down the aisle at our wedding. He hiked miles & miles with us on backpacking trips and slept many nights in a tent snuggled between us. He welcomed Whitney, Quinn & Ruthie without a single complaint. He went on so many adventures & made all of our friends fall in love with him. I know if you met Abel you knew just how special this dog was. He was more than a dog and yet so much more pure than any human being. — I feel like my heart is actually broken now that he’s gone & it feels like I’ll never stop crying. But I am so thankful for every minute of these last 9 years. I’m glad so many people got to know him & his radiant spirit through watching him on my little corner of the internet here. I’ve never met another dog like him & I probably never will again. We love you, forever & ever, my sweet Abel. ♥️