Weekly thread for casual chat and photos of pets

https://imgur.com/a/sDhZA82

River passed away this morning. She was 9 years old, going on 10 and she would still recklessly launch herself 6 feet off the deck, chasing squirrels and rabbits. The first time we met, she sat on my feet and threw her head back and just looked straight up at me with a smile that stole my heart immediately. She'd continue to sit on my feet in that same way until her last days.

When we would first take River for walks, we lived off a semi-busy street, and she would shy from the fast cars going by. She was fascinated by motorcycles and cautiously curious when it came to yard decorations. Her biggest fear was buzzing insects, especially flies. We'd hunt them down together, so that she could feel safe that the threat was neutralized.

Her favorite game was hide and seek. My wife and I would take turns hiding then River would come find us. Every morning, I'd ask my wife, "Do you want a Doodle butt?" And my wife would hide under the covers and River would sprint in, fly over the top of the bed and root around until she could shower my wife in kisses.

River was so expressive. She'd bark or yelp when she'd get particularly annoyed and she'd know exactly how to tug on our heart strings with a simple expression. I was bad at saying no to her. She seemed to have such a deep intelligence for an animal. You could teach her a new command in an hour or two. And she would just pick up on things. Her groans, especially the last couple of years, were over the top. Every stretch, every roll around she'd would let these prolonged groans. If you got her ears right, you'd get some good groans there, too.

River was the sweetest girl. She was so patient and so forgiving. She's had her health issues over the years that we've had to treat and she was always patient and understanding. She'd never resist us if we needed to treat a wound, even if you could tell it was uncomfortable. She could be a little barky and anxious at first meet, but within a few minutes she could be your best friend, sitting at your toes, and begging for pets. Every vet, every groomer, every sitter has always told how sweet River was.

I miss River so much. I dread the thought of waking up tomorrow and not singing, "Good morning, GOOD morning" to her, followed by asking my wife if she wanted a Doodle Butt. Knowing that the next time I come home from an errand, she won't be right there jumping for joy and begging for pets. I'm going to miss so much her waking up as soon as I started cooking in the kitchen and following me with her nose just begging for whiffs and scraps. I'm going to miss seeing my wife drive up with River in the backseat in Arrivals at the airport. I'm going to miss the buddy I stay up late and watch shows and movies with. And above all, I just hope that she felt and knew how much she was loved.

Thank you for reading.

https://imgur.com/a/d7s4iqZ

Meet Crumb (all black), Mallow (gray with the white tummy), Pickle (White/light gray) and Cocoa (black with the white tummy)

Pickle and Cocoa are new, and we have been integrating them with Crumb and Mallow over the last two months. We had added the second level to the cage, and last night we were finally able to open up the expanded levels.

They are all super sweet and each has her own personality and quirks. It's super fun to see them all exploring their new place. It really highlights their curious nature.