We lose our beloved Caleb

We were ready to enjoy a nice weekend after the ordeals of the one before. However, the weekend had mixed happiness and great sadness. We had previously reported that Caleb, our 13 1/2 year old lab was diagnosed with a cancerous rectal tumor in December. We had not thought that he would do so well for so long so we are grateful for the extra time we had. On the Friday evening when we went on a family walk with the dogs we noticed Caleb having some struggles (we had just taken him to the vet on Thursday for a check). On Saturday mid-morning we went to Rick & Ellen's to go to lunch with them and let the girls play at the playground together - both girls were so cute with their dads, but we did not want to be gone from home for too long. The rest of that Saturday afternoon and evening, Caleb seemed to be having difficulty and was straining each time he went outside - it seemed that the time had come to say goodbye to our dear friend. I don't know what to say about Caleb - he was a fine and good dog his whole life. We got him as a tiny puppy (that is what happens when you go with friends for them to get a puppy) and he was with us for 13 1/2 years. He was always good, gentle and sweet (and never voluntarily missed a meal). He also had some interesting eating habits and we know our friend Jon will never forget that Caleb ate the whole back of a pair of his boxer shorts! We miss him under the table when we have dinner and I miss him staring at me, stamping his feet, reminding me of it being his dinner time. I reach to pet his head next to the bed and it's not there. Egan, our rescued Setter is sad without him and Sparkle, our kitty, never knew the house without Caleb. We are reminded of him each time we find one of his black hairs, which is bound to continue for years to come. We are glad that Indigo got to know him as one of her two first dogs and that he taught her to be kind and gentle with dogs and that she need not fear them. He was ever patient with her.
On Sunday, we needed to take our minds off the new emptyness of our home. We went to the National Mall and went to the new Butterfly conservatory that is part of the Smithsonian. After that, we spent time on the mall for the celebration of Israel's 60th birthday - it was a hot day. We took a break in the shade and let Indigo cool down in just her diaper while she ate a blue & white cookie. After that we headed home. That night, I went to see Sex & the City with my friend Robyne, which provided a nice light moment.