A quiet house

It's been 12 days since we lost Zenji and the house is so quiet.  For a little dog, Zenji sure made her presence known.

Losing Zen has been so hard on CeeCee.  She is confused and just doesn't understand what has happened.  I'm glad I work from home so I can be here for her.  We spend a lot of time together in the backyard but even then CeeCee keeps looking for Zenji.  It is heartbreaking.

I haven't told the kids I teach that Zenji is gone, I'm not sure if I will.  I don't know how they will react and I just want them to focus on their lessons.  They do ask to see her and CeeCee so I've just been telling them that the dogs are outside chasing rabbits.

It is going to take time before we settle back into our routine and I know that life does go on, but I am going to allow both CeeCee and myself the opportunity to mourn Zenji.  I know there are people who will never understand any of this and that is their great loss.  And for right now, we are going to just remember the craziness that was Zenji and just be grateful for all of the precious memories we've made together over the past 10 years.

Take care,

Teresa and CeeCee

One Crazy Spotted Dog

I was going through photos of Zenji this morning and wanted to share a few of my favorites.

After bath time.  She was so happy when it was finally over.

I never did figure out what she was after.

Zenji loved her blankies.

That dog loved to stick her head in the ground.  I was always afraid she would pull her nose out with a rattlesnake attached.

The soil right after a summer rain was very appealing.

Zenji was known for her crazy sleeping positions.

CeeCee and Zenji were hard to capture in the same photo.  This one will always be one of my favorites.  They were both so focused on a rabbit in the tortoise pen.

It is going to be a long time before CeeCee and I recover from losing Zenji.  She was a big part of our lives and we are going to miss her forever.

Thank you for taking the time to look at these pictures.  Please feel free to share your own photos of your crazy critters.

Take care,

Teresa and CeeCee

 Zenji

We lost Zenji at 9:37 pm on Sunday, November 16.  She was in so much pain I had to let her go.  CeeCee and I will miss her very, very much.

 I Love You To The Moon And Back

Since November is Picture Book Month, I want to share one of my favorite picture books and a favorite of the kids as well.  It is called I Love You To The Moon And Back.  It is a wonderful story that has both emotional and social benefits, teaching children about the unconditional love between a mother bear and her cub.  The book also encourages children not to be afraid to show their feelings.  It can be an easy read for children though most of my students want me to read it to them.  The story flows and rhymes which can aid with language development and improve literary skills in young readers.  The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, something that is essential in capturing a young reader's attention.

The book is available on Amazon in both hardcover for around $11 or board book for about $4.  Just click on the image.  I would recommend the board book if you are reading to your students and it is easier for small hands to handle if the children are reading themselves.

Take care and keep reading,

Teresa, Zenji and CeeCee

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