R.I.P. Dixie Anna Lee

I don't even know where to start. Our beloved dog of 13 years was put to rest this afternoon. She was very sick and had been for about a year now. We took her to the vet last week on our way out of town for a full evaluation and her doctor said there was nothing else they could do and it was really about quality of life at this point. For people who don't know, we adopted Dixie from the animal shelter two months after we married. She was our 'baby' through all the years of repeat miscarriages, infertility and even slept curled up against my belly while I was on bed rest for five months when pregnant with Anna Kate. I know she is in a much better place and she is finally back to perfect health where she can run, jump and play without any difficulties. My head knows that, but my heart is breaking. Jeff has gone to get her so he can bury her in the woods behind our house. Thank goodness Anna Kate is asleep. I don't know how on earth we'll explain this to her, much less do it without falling apart. She adored Dixie and has asked every day, including this morning, when we were going to pick her up. We'll have to pull ourselves together and tell her that Dixie has died.......*tears*

Well I hear Jeff, so I'll end here. Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers tonight and the days to come.

Dixie, we will truly miss you!!!