This is how I will always remember Lady... that energy was infectious.

Went to a paint-and-sip tonight at the local brewery that was sponsored by Centre County PAWS, the shelter where we adopted Lady. Felt good to get out, see a cute shelter pup named Hershey, get some dog kisses, paint for the first time in a long while, and give to a good cause.

Sitting outside this evening together, @mmbigalke.bsky.social saw a shooting star. That was Lady — a shooting star burning brilliantly for her moment in our lives. I'll remember her lots of ways, but one that sticks now is her nestled cozily in a pile of blankets and pillows. Sweet dreams, pup.

After consulting with the vet and watching her struggle to move in the early afternoon, we chose to say goodbye to Lady. She wolfed down a bacon cheeseburger and got to dress up in her Wonder Woman outfit for her final visit. She was the first dog I've ever had that loved the vet. What a treasure.

We walked another 20 minutes this morning. Lady has otherwise been slower and her breathing is heavier. We've been incredibly lucky, but it also feels like we're pushing our luck. I don't want to lose my pup, but I also don't want her suffering for my sake. I've never endured such hard decisions.

Lady took me on a 47-minute walk when I returned from work. She basked in the sun and wallowed in mud. It was a rare treat... and felt like a swan song of sorts as she otherwise continues to slow. I fear we don't have long left. We've been so lucky to have a fortnight with her since the diagnosis.

Drew a few more sketches of Lady today while it rains...

After a morning walk yesterday, it was mainly a day of food and sleep interspersed with a few cuddles. She is slower, mainly focused on the big two. We took another paw print. I did a little sketch of her. This drizzly Sunday morning has been all about breakfast and cuddles. Nice and mellow...

Behind on updates after completing the move. Lady has been holding steady. We had a 10-minute walk on Thursday morning and went out for 15 minutes today. Getting more food crazed on the meds, but we're finding good solutions to keep her full and digesting well. Looks like we get another weekend!

We had 2 short walks today to either end of the block, morning and afternoon. Lady took a hearty dump to mark her territory both times. There were lots of snuggles today, and she loved all her meals. We even took some impressions and prints of her paws and snoot. Good day with our miracle puppy.

Yesterday was a bit rougher. We got a good walk in the morning, but Lady was more subdued for the rest of the day. Much less interested in cuddles, though she still loves food. The prednisone seems to be having less of an effect with her pain. But our miracle puppy is still with us for now...

Yesterday was another good day. Shorter walk, about 40 minutes, and then we cuddled until about lap 20 of the grand prix. She saw some neighborhood friends, ate well, and got feisty with some of her toys. It was another treasure of a day with this good girl. Can't get enough of 'em...

Sixty-plus minutes out on the prowl this morning after Lady woke me up before 6am. She visited the old yard, got playful with toys, and had lots of snuggles. The meds seem to be helping with her inflammation, though she still needs plenty of rest. Keep these treasures coming as long as possible.

Lady woke up again today. We started a walk, but turned home when I wouldn't let her in the cemetery. She is as stubborn as ever. We then cuddled and dozed for a couple hours during the first F1 practice, then went to the toy store in the afternoon after work obligations. Another treasure of a day.

Drove out to visit my parents in Wisconsin yesterday. Here for the weekend to visit my dad's house one last time and pick up my stuff before he sells it and it leaves the family after 6 decades and 2 generations. Had to climb the tree he planted as a teen one more time. I can still get up there.

Lady looks majestic after our morning stroll...

Just bought Lady a set of UV-blocking sun shirts for the heat wave. What a little Princess Peach.

I made it. Ten states and 2760 miles in 62 hours on the road and 41 hours actively driving. Even with the hotel stay last night, I'm wiped out. Time to pet the pup and visit with my wife before passing out. I'll post more about the trip tomorrow...

Almost home...

2000 miles in 35 hours deserves some rest. Stoked to get some food, then crash... ... and then I get to be home by this time tomorrow.

Now it is right around 24 hours into the journey. North Dakota is brighter now... sunrise was phenomenal on the northern plain.

Coming up on 24 hours since leaving Bellingham. Been on the road for a hour and a half after about four hours of rest area napping. North Dakota is... pretty dark.

Just over 16 hours straight behind the wheel, minus pit stops... going to try to get a nap at this rest stop.

Through Miles City and fueling up again. Terry is a cute town, lovely solstice sunset.

Midway between Bozeman and Billings was a great time for a rest stop...

9+ hours into the drive, fueling up in Deer Lodge, Montana... blew right through Idaho.

Really should've micturated when I stopped for gas...

2:59 into the trip, just stopped for gas in Ellensburg. If the next 2500 miles are as smooth as the first 200, I'll be happy.

Time to head out on my solo trip across the country!

Arrived back in State College on the drive from Austin three hours ago. The pup took me for a walk right away, and then I went out to dinner with @mmbigalke.bsky.social after 11 days apart. I'm still riding the high of #NASSH2026, but it sure is great to be back home!