And just like that, our hearts broke.

Yesterday was a typical day in the life of two sweet kids and their playful pup. We put her in the kids bathroom on the way out the door for church, promises that we would be back to play soon...lots of kisses and plenty of hugs. And we were home, she was happy to see us all! Bouncing around, playful as can be...eating, drinking and napping like a sweet puppy should.

About 10:30 last night, Annabelle laid on the couch with Aspen and they dozed off. 15 minutes or so later, Daddy decided it was time to start heading to bed so he took Aspen out to do her business before bedtime. And that's when I heard him distressed, walking in the house with our sweet pup in his arms. She was lifeless. One cry for help...and boy did we ever try to help her.

He said she stretched on the front patio before walking to the grass and collapsing. She got up once, stretched again and collapsed once more. He picked her up, stiff body and all. They came running in the house. Our sweet baby pup lifeless...that one little cry.. us trying our best to do our version of puppy cpr..failing. In seconds, she was gone.

It was a very sad night. Today is equally as sad. We have no idea what happened to Aspen. She got a good, clean bill of health at the vet last week. She was playful, happy and very well loved. She got so much attention. We all had our own dreams and visions of how the future would be with her. :( Shattered in an instant. Shattered and we do not know why.

I called the emergency vet, but there just was nothing they could have done it was just too quick. We could have taken her for a puppy autopsy, but the vet said from the sounds of it it was likely cardiac and we just could not have known this would have happened.

It has been hard to handle. I think as a mother the worst part is the heartbreak my children feel. Annabelle had awoken when Daddy came into the house so she was with us and witnessed what happened in the few seconds it took place. While Daddy was digging the puppy grave, Annabelle picked her baby girl up and begged her to come back alive. Whispering, I know if Jesus can come back alive He has enough power to help my puppy.  I wanted for that to be so true. I wished that He could have brought Aspen back and erased the pain from all of our hearts. I held Annabelle and we cried a good long while.

We didn't sleep much last night. And I dreaded the morning coming, when we would have to break the news to Peanut. And as we suspected, Aspen was the first thing he asked for when he got out of bed. My heart aches for the pain he felt. His little 5 year old self burst into tears, burying his face in my chest as I held and rocked him and we had a good cry. Daddy showed him where Aspen laid to rest and where she would always be. He can't pet her but he can remember her because she will be there for him to visit.

A lot of love was shared with Sweet Aspen in the 11 short days we had her. A lot of tears will be shed the next few days..but we can rest knowing she didn't suffer long and we did try to help her. We loved her, cared for her and gave her a happy home for her short little life.

Aspen

3/8/11 - 5/22/11