On a winter morning, Jake, Hope and Windy watch their breakfast being made.

The calendar showed flea treatment was due. I had to treat only two dogs.

It is times like these we feel Hope’s absence. Looking at the ottoman she liked to snooze on or feeling that empty spot on the bed makes our hearts hurt. The worst part, though, was the first time coming home and being met by two dogs.

Jake is depressed. Windy seems confused but is taking it in stride. Jake was with us when Hope went to the Rainbow Bridge, so I am sure he knows.

If you are unfamiliar with the Rainbow Bridge, look here http://bit.ly/nVtXBh. Warning: I can’t read this poem without crying.

Hope’s legacy will go beyond this blog. I have some ideas but am not able to focus and pursue them yet. We must stop the cruelty of puppy mills.

Please keep reading about Jake and Windy. One day they will have another Schnauzer sibling, but it will be quite some time before we have recovered enough to rescue another dog.

In the meantime, we thank you all for your support, thoughts and prayers. People who love dogs are the best people in the world.