Goodbye, old friend

Today was our last day with our old friend, Dakota.  After having him in our lives for 12 years, we knew in our hearts that it was time to say goodbye. 

I helped Mark pick him out at the shelter when we had just begun dating and he moved into his first house.  Dakota was our dog through the years we dated, while we were engaged, at the time of our wedding.  He moved with us to 3 new houses in 3 new cities.  He saw the addition of 3 children to our family, and loved each and every one of them. 

It was sad watching the girls say goodbye to him, and difficult to imagine life at our house without him. 

Goodbye, old friend.  You'll be missed!