Rest in peace my puppy friend

Today was a sad, sad day for me.  My little puppy friend, Labota (not sure of the spelling but it means little puppy hand, pronounced Labozza) passed away last night.  He was attacked by one of the hospital dogs when he was following us to the clinic yesterday morning.  We knew the dogs were not friendly, but had no idea that they were so vicious.  One of my teammates and I rushed to his side and carried him home, placing him into the doghouse the hotel owner had built.  He just looked like he was in shock, with no visible injuries, so we left him there, checking in on him when we could during the day.  He looked more traumatized than when he was hit by the car.  As the day progressed, it snowed harder with more wind, so after dinner we decided we would bring him inside to keep warm as he was still only moving a tiny bit inside the doghouse, with plans to ask to take him to the vet the next morning.  As soon as he came inside, he put his head to rest on the little pillow, covered by towels and our clothes.  He just looked exhausted, but would continue to wag his tail or lift his head up when one of us touched his little face. We prayed that he would make it through the night.  At about one thirty in the morning, my teammate came to tell me that our little friend was gone.

Thank you for giving me one of the warmest greetings at a hotel I have ever received and for making me so happy everyday.  You were a very strong and brave little one and I will never forget how you gave me so much hope and joy when you came walking towards me after the accident, and everyday since then when you would greet us when we came home.  You were the best snuggler ever.  I miss you but know that you can now run around happily and freely without worries, along with all of my beloved pets who have said good-bye.

I was devastated heading into the clinic today, but knew that nothing would make me feel better than to see those kids.  Already fighting back tears rather unsuccessfully, I felt a whole new set of them gushing as I looked up in the window to see Andrea, Celine, Ion, and Petre all looking at us and waving with huge smiles on their faces.  Today, especially today, their unconditional love, smiles, and laughter, along with their hugs and silly antics nourished me and helped me to move forward.  I always knew it would be a privilege to work with them, but it was truly a much needed gift for me today and I was so grateful for each and everyone of them.  The babies were amazing, it was almost as if they knew we would need some nurturing today.  They all were so happy and ate so very well, hanging out with them was so peaceful.  Here are some shots from the day.

Woo-hoo!!!

Daria our little gymnast

Sorry it's sideways...:(

From the afternoon baby session:

Nico and Cleo havin' a moment of fun

Cleo enjoying her decorated crib

Here are some pics and a video of Raul from some of the other days that I haven't had a chance to post up yet:



Celine, our little mama



Roxana and Andrea

Ionutz

Petri!  So hard to get a pic of this handsome little guy

Nicoletta and Maria

Raul (sorry, didn't have a chance to check the spelling of his name)

And I forgot I wanted to add this one from today:


 Only because...after this beautiful moment of friendship, little Miss Alina proceeded to head butt me, smack me in the face, and attempt to take a chunk out of my arm all at once!!  She's a quick one alrighty---keeps me on my toes:)  Oh yeah, I didn't get a pic but when I walked in she had her onesie hanging down from her waist, fully zippered and buttoned, grooving to some hip hop...it was awesome.