Mia is getting her very own Sheffield.

It's a sad time in our house. Our little buddy, Sheffield, has just a few days left. We found out in January after his visible weight loss, that he was suffering from canine kidney disease, and had only 25% function remaining. He was quickly stabilized with medication and different food. At the time, our vet expected him to have around 6 months remaining. This was very unexpected news for our family, and very hard to hear.

The past few months, Sheffield has maintained a quality of life that was acceptable to everyone. He ran and played, would take short walks with us, and continued his nightly routine of sleeping in Emerson's bed. The last few weeks, he's taken a turn. His sad little eyes just don't have the life they once did. He isn't eating much of anything. And he will often just lay under the dining room table by himself. This is the dog that was previously never in a room by himself. After some recent blood work, our vet confirmed what we expected. It was time. We're keeping him home for the weekend, and will say goodbye to him Monday morning.

I don't think Jason and I had any idea in the fall of 2004, when we brought home our little rescued cocker spaniel, that we'd love him so much, and that our hearts would be breaking this soon in saying goodbye. To add to our heartbreak, Sheff has become Emerson's dog, too. He learned everything he knows about dogs from Sheff. He received a couple bites as a toddler due to sneak attacks on Sheff. He played a role in daily feedings and walks. He often let Sheffield out and in, and took pride in this duty.

We began the conversation with Emerson in January, and have put some finality in the last 24 hours on what is happening and when. Emerson is very sad about this, and honestly, kind of mad. I get it. I feel like we've experienced more death in the last 14 months, than any family should have to. Some we never get to meet. And some are taken too early. We've assured Emerson, that Mia is very excited to get to play with Sheffield, and will be giving him lots of treats when they see each other. In telling Emerson this, Jason and I have come to love this idea. I firmly believe she's taking care of my baby, why wouldn't she also be taking care of my dog.

So, Mia is getting her very own Sheffield.

This was the day we brought Sheff home. He's lived in 3 homes with me and Jason.

Shortly thereafter...new haircut and all.

Recuperating on a Sunday morning, pre-children, Sheff was always by our side.

One of the best hangover buddies that ever was.

Always a little quirky.

And awfully cute.

This is how they operated. Side-by-side, but never fully interacting.

He tolerated us, and couldn't be without us.

He never complained when he was overdue for haircuts. He simply found ways to cool off.

He even got vacations at Auntie Jessi's house, and got to hang with Hercules.

Number one cuddler.

His nubbin' made the best nose.

He let me do things like this before I had a child to dress...

And like this...

Like this...

And like this.

Not sure who will keep Emerson company on the couch when he's sick and home from school.