It's been a while since I last posted. It's been an emotional month -- one with highs and lows. And while I may be breaking some unwritten rule to always be happy & positive on my blog, I hope you'll indulge me just this once. You see, I lost someone close to me this week. One who has seen my highs and lows, happy times and weakest moments.  She was beautiful, loyal and full of unconditional love. Before the chaos of kids and careers and life, she was there...ever faithful. Our sweet dog, Cassidy. (or as she was also affectionately called - Cassie, Cass Cass, C Bear, Cassie Bear) When our first daughter was born, we wondered how Cass would respond when we brought the baby home from the hospital. We figured we were safe given the reputation of German Shepherds as good family dogs, but we wanted to be sure, so we were careful in the beginning. While I was still in the hospital with the baby, my husband even took a blanket that the baby had been wrapped in home for Cass to smell. Maybe it helped, or maybe it didn't matter. From the moment the baby was home, Cass was right next to her. Always.  Her love and loyalty only increased when we brought our second daughter home three years later. So it was only fitting that in this last week, when Cassidy was having trouble getting up to move around, the girls laid down with her just as she had done with them so many times before. These are some of my most cherished memories of our sweet girl. We love you, Cass Bear.