Friends, our BlogPaws trip to Phoenix has been cancelled. We should be hitting the road, heading southwest Monday, but we will be staying home. It has been a long, and hard decision to make, but it is the right thing to do.
Actually, since we bought our conference ticket over a year ago, we have had strange signals causing conflicting feelings about BlogPaws this year. For one, we would not arrive back home until late on Katie’s 14th birthday. We figured with all the swag, she wouldn’t mind us missing most of her day, but Mom felt bad about it. Next our friend who we had thought would travel with us couldn’t come along. Another friend of Mom’s from college lives in Phoenix, but it didn’t work to meet up with her either. Our pet sitter was reluctant to stay with Katie because she was afraid she might have to make “decisions” she didn’t want to make for us. There are a bunch of other things that have happened which have caused Mom to have a gut feeling we should stay home, but the main and final reason is Katie.
Going to BlogPaws to meet with brands is so huge for us as bloggers, and we also enjoy seeing all of our friends. Deciding to skip a year is really tough, so as Chief Blogging Officer, I called a board meeting to vote on whether we should go or not. Of course, Katie couldn’t attend because she wasn’t feeling up to it, Bailie was busy with border patrol, and the cats didn’t care one way or the other, so I had everyone fill out absentee ballots. I got out my calculator and determined it was unanimous. We are staying home.
Doggy Day Care can rest easy as the escape artist, Bailie, won’t be making an attempt to escape for a third year in a row. Bailie has also said she may send virtual hugs to those needing them during the conference. Because we don’t want to focus on what we are missing next weekend, Mom signed us up for a new dog sport. No, I decided against dock diving! I tried jumping off a dock years ago and decided I prefer to walk into the water like a lady. We will be participating in our new sport all weekend starting next Thursday, and it should be fun. The event is local which is a must right now. I will tell you all about it later.
All that being said, and humor aside, we are staying home for Katie. BlogPaws will come and go every year, but Katie is our family. Katie has one lifetime with us, and we want to be there for her in her time of need. She is declining very rapidly right now and we feel she is comforted by having us around, keeping our routines the same, and by knowing she is not alone. It is day to day with her as she is barely able to stand or walk at this point, and breathing is getting more difficult. We will continue to do our usual activities, but we will be home when we are usually home, and she is used to us all coming and going. Eight days and being so very far away was just not the right thing for us this year. Mom has been having a lot of leaky eye time about Katie and is relieved to just be at home with her girls. We hope the brands, and our friends will understand. We plan on buying our early bird ticket for next year as soon as it is announced because we can’t wait for BlogPaws but it just isn’t right for us this year.
We truly wish all our friends a wonderful conference, and safe travels! Don’t count us out, we will be back next year…look out!
Now my eyes are leaky too. You are making the best decision for Katie, though we’re sorry you have to miss out on the conference. We are not going this year either; I would have been so disappointed not to see you there, so I feel a bit better about my decision! I just figured it would all be too much after moving. But we also plan to go next year.
We are so curious about what your new sport is going to be, and can’t wait to hear more!
We are also always thinking about all of you and Katie, it has to be such a tough time for you. β₯
It’s very hard right now. Mom is upset most of the time, and we have Bailie’s birthday tomorrow so we are all trying to put on a happy face. It is not a surprise it is happening, but it is hard to actually accept.
I have leaky eyes too. There was no decision to be made. Home is where you need to be. Katie needs you and you need Katie.
Mom is a little worried about what I will do when she is gone since I’ve been with her since I was nine weeks old, but we will all figure it out together.
So very sorry to hear about Katie. Gut feelings are always to be listened to though, I am a firm believer in that. You guys need to be with Katie, that’s the most important thing right, but you already know that. We are sending hugs for all of you.
It’s pretty bad right now and we know it won’t get better. We have decisions to make and need to be together at this time.
I’m so glad you will all be staying with Katie. Thinking of her and your mom.
We could never leave her at this time. She has always been a strong independent girl, but now she is almost totally dependent. We all need each other.
Thinking of you!
You are making the right decision…Katie needs all of you! I have sad tears in my eyes for all of you and my heart goes out to you. Thinking for all of you! Hugs!
It is a very sad time, but it is also life and we will all have to learn to accept whatever happens. It is not easy.
I’m so sorry that it’s a decision you’re having to make but it’s the right one. BlogPaws will be there next year; Katie needs you now and every moment you’re able to spend with her making memories will last you a lifetime.
It really is not a choice because family will always come first, but it is still hard to give up our trip to BlogPaws.
You made a great decision to make Katie’s last days the best ones. Our dog died recently and she was 14 (and her name was Katie) and we spent as much time as we could with her!
So sorry for your loss. We had so hoped Katie would make her 14th birthday on the 27th, but right now we don’t think it will be possible. We are taking it day to day and hoping for the most time we can get.
Oh, Emma, as soon as I saw the email notification of your post I was afraid the cancellation had something to do with Katie. I’m not going to BlogPaws, either; but I’m sure all of your friends will understand. I’m so sorry Katie has taken another turn for the worse. My own eyes are leaky at the very thought of it. I can well understand your Mom’s teary-eyed moments. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you. β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
Thank you. Mom has been willing Katie to get better and kind of been in a bit of denial, but there is no more denying the state of health. She had a burst of feeling good about two weeks ago where she wanted to walk and she was real happy, but then things got worse fast. The main thing is that we are together.
Callie was like that, too – seemed to rally on Sunday morning, but Sunday night went downhill fast and Monday morning at the vet. At least we were all with her. I know how it feels. I’m here if your Mom wants to talk. <3
It has been such a long slow progression and now it is in fast forward. So very sad to see, but we are here as a family and we will help each other get through this.
I understand you…. there is a tear in my eye that you can’t go to Phoenix, but your decision is made with your hart … and that decisions are always the right ones… hugs to you all and a super big one to Katie.
We could never leave Katie in her condition. She is really not doing well and needs us for everything right now.
oh dear. Mom is so sorry to read this. Kiss Katie for us. your doodle friend Dash (I’m back!!)
We were wondering what happened to you guys, but now we know π Katie is happy with us and that is most important.
I had figured since you weren’t talking about it much, this was a decision weighing heavily on you. For what it’s worth, most of the posts I nominated you for were about Katie. I laugh every time I see her steal another birthday pupcake when you were taking pics, thinking the old girl still has it!
I was just telling my sister sometimes it’s hard to follow other dog blogs because you start feeling like you know them, and your pack is so easy to love, it’s hard to prepare yourself when things aren’t going very well. I’ve got the leaky eyes too!
Maybe you can take another family vote to celebrate Bailie and Katie’s birthdays together? Although I think I know which way Bailie’s vote would go, lol!
BlogPaws will hold your spot, I’m sure your loyal brands understand, you’ve got many, many people hoping Katie is at peace, and your mom knows that not one person on this planet could’ve given that lady a better life! XOXO
Thank you. Katie does still have her naughty dog ideas even when she can barely move, and it makes us all smile. We will celebrate Bailie’s birthday tomorrow as planned. Katie would want that as she loves Bailie even though she really only was able to do things with her the first year. We have all known how this would go down, but now it is a reality we cannot avoid. Time is never enough with humans or furry ones, it is always heartbreaking. Mom has been agonizing over the BlogPaws decision for quite a while, but with the recent downturn, there really was no question, it was just getting mentally prepared to make the decision.
I’m sorry Emma, not so much that you are missing BlogPaws, because as you said, it will be here next year. But I’m sorry about Katie. I know how hard it is for all of you and I’m glad you will be there for Katie when she needs you the most.
Please let Mom know we are all here for you guys. Hugs to you all.
It is real hard for Mom right now. She thinks it will be hard for me when she is no longer here. We are just doing what we can in these final days.
Paws down, I agree with your decision. Family always comes first. I’m a firm believer in that “gut instinct” voice. I, too, was faced with a similar decision last year, and cancelled an event I was to be a guest at and was very excited about attending, but there was no real decision. I was needed here. As much as you were looking forward to it, as you said, there will be more…but Katie needs you and she’s lucky to have such a loving and caring momma! Big hugs to you all!
Thank you. Deep down there really was nothing to decide, but actually coming to terms with what is going on with Katie now was the hard part. We’ll be there next year!
purrs to all of you….mom isn’t going this year either. we know that staying home for Katie’s sake is the right decision for you….
Cheers to BlogPaws 2017 I guess. We couldn’t possibly go at this point, so it is the best decision.
Aw, well I think that is a very good decision. So sorry about Katie. I’m sure she is happy about your decision and will love all the time you guys spend together. Prayers up for all of you.
Thank you. We will feel pretty left out with everyone having so much fun in Phoenix, but we need to be together as a family right now.
We understand your decision! We have leaky eyes too…for Katie and for our Hollee. The mom gave final instructions for Hollee while she was in Alaska. Hollee is also declining…she cannot hear or see. The only thing that gives her pleasure is eating. She gets confused easily – especially when she goes outside in the hot afternoon. She gets lost in the yard and goes into very heavy panting from the heat so we have to go outside with her. It is so sad when they get like Katie and Hollee. We also know we may have to make THE decision which is so hard, but it is in the best interest of our beloved girls. The mom hurt her hip in Alaska, and we do know from e-rays her hip is not broken. She must have torn something and is in lots of pain. XOXO and lots of LOVE! Sparkle
Sorry to hear your mom hurt her hip. Didn’t you tell her no bungee jumping off the glaciers? Hope it feels better soon. Katie is pretty confused on direction these days too, but now she can barely get up or stand, let alone walk. It is heart breaking. She hasn’t been eating well for over a year, but now she isn’t eating and she has refused treats for the first time. The signs we don’t want to see are there. Hugs to Hollee.
Thinking of you and Katie at this difficult time. There is only one Katie. Maybe you can ask the show manager for an exhibition catalogue and contact the vendors who will be there? All dog people have felt what you and Katie are going through. I’m sure they would help support your blog with product. If they don’t, they probably aren’t nice and shouldn’t be in the dog business! Hang in there.
We work with many brands that are there, but it is nice to meet face to face and talk, and also meet other brands we are not familiar with, but we’ve been three years in a row, and will go next year. Blog life goes on, dog life at this point, not so much.
My heart hurts so badly for you. This is the hardest time of being a pet parent. You made the right decision and we will be waiting to see you next year. β₯ We are sending our love and prayers to Katie.
Thank you.It means a lot having good friends who understand. It is very hard for Mom right now. I think I will be hit by it when I can’t find Katie anywhere, and Bailie, who knows.
I had you on my mind this morning – made a mental note to reach out privately and see how things were going. #stillwill I believe you’ve made the right decision and I know you have no regrets. Hugs to all – will reach out later today.
Thank you. Mom has been in a bit of denial with a lot of hope that is was just a phase while knowing it was not. There is no way we could leave at this point. We all need to be together to work through this time together. We are bummed we won’t get to meet you this year, but we know everyone with pets understands.
My heart cries for you all. It is so hard to watch the decline and know what you will have to do. It is the hardest part of being a pet parent.
Hold her a little longer, tell her you love her every hour and kiss her as much as possible. What she needs now is you and her family. You will be in our prayers for strength as you take on the final days.
I wish I could find the words to make it better but I can’t. No words I write can do that. I had to make that choice not long ago and I wanted to make it when Jenny Sue was having a good day. I didn’t want her to go to heaven on a bad.
We will miss you but as you said, there will be other Blogpaws. Know that our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Bunny and Carma.
It is a super hard time right now. We are trying to keep things as normal as possible along with giving Katie special loving and time. Thank you for your kind words and have Carma steal some treats from vendor tables for us.
We are proud of your decision to Be with Katie… She has always been there fur YOU and now YOU are there fur her. We know it was not a decision you wanted to have to make… but PROUD of you fur making the RIGHT DECISION fur the situation at Paw.
Thank you. We know there truly was no decision to make, but the mind wanted us to consider it anyway.
We can’t go to BlogPaws either, but that’s cause Mommy just can’t afford it. Ever, probably. But we enjoy reading about all the fun and adventures, and you will, too. Hope your at home activity will be enjoyed. And, hey, family is always a good place to be!
So sorry about Katie, but you all are so loving and sweet to be with her on her road to the Bridge. It is hard, yes. We definitely understand. But it means so much to her and you all! It makes all of your hearts warm to be near someone transitioning to the end, right? That’s love.
Never be sad about love.
(((hugs))) and prayers for you all,
QUINN and Mommy Carol
On the positive side, we have extra money in my account since we aren’t going to Phoenix. I think we are going to go to a nose work camp in the fall with it. Those green papers are always in short supply around here too. For now, we are just focused on our family and Katie.
Katie is a lucky girl to have such a loving family.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Mom says all of us have had so many wonderful opportunities in life, but it is still not everything. We will be together and work through this together as a family.
We think y’all made da right choice.
We really have no choice.We could not leave Katie as this time.
I’m so sorry about Katie. It’s inevitable that our pets will leave us at some point but it’s always heartbreaking. I know it was a very, very hard decision for you to skip BlogPaws but I know you know you made the absolute right decision. I’m glad you have a plan in place to keep yourself busy too.
No matter when people or pets go, it is always too soon. Mom has so many things she wanted to do with Katie and now there is no time. She second guesses everything, but deep down, we know she has had an amazing life for a dog. We’ll be back at BlogPaws next year for sure!
There will be another Blog Paws trip, but there will never be another Katie. Totally agree with you that family comes first. My heart just breaks for you. Sending love and hugs to all of you.
Thank you. It is a tough time right now, but together we will get through it.
Oh, I’m so sorry but I so agree with your decision! Once I had no choice but to go on a business trip when our beagle suddenly had to go to the emergency room that morning. I cried the whole trip because i was so afraid she wouldn’t be there when I got home! Luckily she was – but it’s just a terrible terrible feeling to not be there when you know your pup needs you so even though it’s a drag to miss Blogpaws, it doesn’t compare to the comfort Katie – and you – will get being together now when she needs you. Hang in there. This is a hard time.
Thank you. There is no question, we couldn’t ever leave her at this point. She truly needs us and we need to be there for her.
You don’t need to say anything else except Katie is not doing well. Our dogs are our family and family comes first. Katie has no one but the three of you. She needs you now.
I felt the same way when BJ was not doing well. I would not go anywhere. I wouldn’t even do out for long because I wanted to be home with him.
We’ll miss you at BP and I’ll be thinking of everyone and praying for Katie. I need a tissue for my leak eyes.
Katie sleeps most of the time, so we do our usual things, but she knows we come and go and will be there for her. We’ll be back at BlogPaws next year.
Certainly a tough decision but the right one.We are so sorry about Katie;s health but it’s comforting to know all that you are doing for her. You would never have been able to relax and enjoy yourself in Phoenix. We had to cancel too. but not so close to leaving like you and for a lot less important reasons. See you there next year wherever it may be!
Right now there is no way we could leave Katie, she is really not doing well. We are happy to be here for her and to be with family. See you next year!
It’s an understandable decision and one made out of love! We had a hard time turning down BlogPaws this year too! Hopefully we can all meet up another year. Sending love to Katie <3
We are already looking forward to next year! I wonder where it will be.
You made the right choice, no doubt about it. give sweet Katie a gentle hug from all of us please.
Maybe you kitties could message cat bro Bert to stop bothering Katie. She is trying to rest and he is all over her big fluffy tail. He is addicted to playing with her tail, but she is not appreciating that right now.
I’m so sorry to hear about this and Katie. I know the decision must have been tough but I think you’re making the right call. You’ll be in our thoughts.
Thank you. We are sad to miss the conference, but it is the way it has to be. It will make next year all that much better. Katie needs us and we need to be with her.
You are the most inspiring family and my admiration for you all grows and grows.
Reading all these wonderful comments proves I’m not alone.
Lots of love to Katie.
Thank you. We are one furry bunch with a human mom who really loves us. We always put family first. Some may not understand since we are dogs, but Mom likes it that way.
I know it’s a tough decision for you, but Katie will be glad you are sticking around for her. I’m sorry she’s not feeling well π I had hoped to meet you Emma, since I finally get to go. Maybe another time! I’ll keep Katie in my thoughts. You guys have fun at your new sporting event.
We are sad we can’t meet you too. Hopefully you will get to go next year. If you go once, you will never want to miss another one!
you all made the right decision. Katie needs you these days and you need to be with her. Such a tough time for all. Prayers for Katie to go quietly and without outside interventions.
We just want her to be at piece and be able to run free once again. We are happy to be here and be with her during this tough time.
Me and Nellie do not know what to say. Our doggy thoughts are with you. Mummy, too had leaky eyes when she read your blog. Katie is like a sister to us. There not many large white LGD out there in blogville. All we can say is: Kia kaha (keep strong in Maori) Love three bestest maremmas in all the land.
Thank you. There are not too many of the big white fluffies out there. Katie would be 14 the end of the month, which is a lot for a large dog, but it is not enough. Thank you for thinking of her.
As someone who has “been there” with a senior dog, I can tell you that you will never be sorry you made this decision. I was planning on staying home because I spent my conference money earlier this spring on Bunny’s medical issues and I was completely okay with that. The time I have to spend with them is worth so much more than the cost of the conference. I also wouldn’t be a very authentic blogger if I was more worried about attending a conference than taking care of my dog, so I totally get it! Enjoy your time at home with Katie!
P. S. A friend in Phoenix warned me that they are expecting record breaking heat next week. You might be glad you missed that, too! π
We feel anyone who loves their pets will understand, but we hate to miss the conference. Katie is really bad off and needs us right now. For Mom, the fur kids always come first. She may not have a new outfit, but we will have new collars. It’s what family is all about.
i am so sorry to hear abt Katie. i know the triip would mean a lot for your blog and business but your kids need you….just like human kids, they mean so much to us moms. i know my oldest will be 15 in sept and has lots of health issues. i dont travel, put off surgeries, wont sell the house and i really want to move out of state, but she is deaf, going blind, has a little dementia and i think it would be too much for her. she does not travel in a car very well anymore. i dont stay away from home much. she has been my baby since she was 6 wks old. so i wish you the best with Katie, and i am so very sorry to hear about her. may your last few weeks, hopefully more, be happy, full of wonderful memories. i think you made the right decision and maybe one of your blog friends will help you. wishing you and Katie, the family the best.
We really had no choice as we couldn’t leave her behind in her condition. She is pretty much dependent on Mom, and she knows our routine and it comforts her seeing us all around as usual. We are probably looking at days and not weeks at this point, but we want to be together as a family, and we will need time to heal as a family as well.
I am so sorry that Katie isn’t doing well! I think you girls are making the best decision. (((hugs)))
Thank you. It is hard. One knows it is going to happen but then all of the sudden it happens and it becomes real. We are a family and we will make it through.
Boxcar Willie, Ethos Tropical Punch (Tiki), Val and I are very sad to hear Katie is not doing well. The decisions made will be the right ones, I am sure.
Happy Birthday wishes to Ethos Irish Cream (Bailie) tomorrow. We shall be sharing the celebration with her litter mate, Tiki. The little pups are grown up now. Tiki is the orange ribbon pup in the Ethos pictures.
A thought for you all:
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. – Anonymous”
Thank you for your kind words! Funny, Mom was just talking to Bailie about Tiki a few minutes ago as she wished Bailie a happy birthday. Unfortunately, it is looking like today will be Katie’s last day, but Mom says the world gives one when it takes one. We will be celebrating somewhat today, but Bailie has had a fun week since we knew today could also be a tough day. Bailie sends Tiki and all her other littermates exploding pillow wishes!
You totally did the right thing in following your heart to make the decision…next year Mama hopes to bring Arty to Blog Paws!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Thank you. We plan to be back next year, this year will just be too hard. Even if Katie is no longer with us, emotionally, we would not be ready.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. It is definitely the right decision to be home with your family right now. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thank you. Family is very important at times like this.
Gentle nose nudges.
Listen to your instincts….they are always right.
Katie is very lucky to have such a pawsome family who love her very much. Stay strong Katie!
Can’t wait to read about your new dog sport! 3 bum swings! 3 more!
I’m with you, I’d rather walk in the water like a lady than dock jump.
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia
It was the right decision to stay home. We can’t leave at this time.
So sorry you won’t be able to make the conference but I think you made the right choice. Digital hugs and puppy kisses from me and Sam to all of you, especially Katie. α¦
We are sad about missing BlogPaws, but we now know, it wasn’t right for us this year.
Such a difficult decision but it sounds like you made the right call. Family first! Hugs from our family to yours!
Thank you. We had to stay here and be with each other.
I don’t blame you at all. plus it is supposed to be hotter than hot there and we know you don’t like the heat. I am sad to hear about Katie.
The heat isn’t a big deal as we are mainly indoors, but we could never have left Katie.
I’m sorry you had to make this decision
It was a hard decision, Emma, but it was the right one. We wanted to go last year, but then we moved and Tallulah joined the family right in the middle of the conference, so we ruled it out. We plan on being there next year, and we look forward to meeting you and your mom and Bailie. I can only imagine the trouble Tallulah and Bailie can get into at doggy daycare!
Bailie has busted out of daycare the past two years, so if she has an accomplice, no doubt she will break out again! It’s hard to keep a PR Dog locked up at a conference!
What a beautifully written, heartfelt post. I know how hard this had to be for you to make this decision. You are right though, Katie needs you. I am like you, when there are many, many “signs”, you have to go with your gut. I am sure you will be sorely missed, but it would be much worse to be sorely missed by Katie. This way you get to savor and cherish every moment with her. I won’t be there either, our 10th wedding anniversary is June 24 and I wouldn’t consider going without my husband, plus, if I had booked the trip I probably would have canceled due to the extreme heat in Phoenix. That is lethal for my kidney stones. Plus….we are beyond broke and it wasn’t in the cards this year (or last year)………….I take it year by year. Who knows what next year will bring? Sending you comforting (((hugs))))) DakotasDen
Enjoy your anniversary! We are bummed to be missing it, but with everything that has happened we would have the energy to go even if we wanted to. Our minds wouldn’t be in the right place either.
I’m so sorry to read about Katie but you have the only decision possible. Katie is family. BlogPaws, by comparison, well, there is no comparison. As you said, it will come and go and come around again. Your family belongs together. I thing you would have hated yourself had you gone and anything happened to Katie while you were away. The best thing is to give her all the love you can and treasure every moment. I lost my beloved Aimee to cancer in April. I would not have missed a moment with her. She needed me and I needed her. I think it’s probably the same with you and Katie. Hugs to you, Katie and the rest of the kids.
Thank you. It was really not even a choice to stay home but a given. Sadly we lost her Friday, but we still need to be home together to mourn and figure out our new life without Katie. So sorry to hear about your Aimee. It is never easy no matter what and I still miss my Trine who passed away 12 years ago. In our hearts forever!
I am so very sorry. You’re right, you do need the time to mourn as a family. It is never easy. I still miss Neezie, that “one special dog.” They are family and we wouldn’t have it any other way. May Katie’s name be for a blessing.