Dedicated to Aspen and Mia

This has been a really bad week at BlackRidge Labradors.  We lost our beautiful girls Aspen and Mia.  
Aspen is owned and loved by our dear friends Russ and Jaylene Allen.  Luckily, they only live about 20 minutes away so we have been able to see Aspen, her sister Cosette and her daughter Piper often over the years.  Aspen is mom to our Nelli.  
The Friday after Thanksgiving Jaylene called me to tell me that Aspen was struggling to breathe and she wasn't feeling well.  We found a vet that was open and Aspen was immediately taken in.  She was diagnosed with lung cancer and pneumonia and started on medications.  Luckily, I was able to go see her on Sunday, feed her treats, get my love and kisses and tell her how much I loved her.  Monday, Jaylene called me to tell me that Aspen was really struggling and while we were on the phone Aspen passed away.  We were all shocked and heartbroken at the loss.  Aspen was only 8 and there wasn't nearly enough time to say goodbye.   BlackPine Little Go Getter @ Yellowstone "Aspen" 2/2/2016 - 12/2/2024
Mia - what can I say about Mia.  Mia was my first show dog that I chose on my own.  She was out of our Annie's first litter and that was when we decided to give the show dog thing a try.  Mia and I learned together.  She was very patient with me, and I loved her for it.  She didn't love showing as much as she loved chasing a ball, dock diving, or running fast cat but she did it for me anyway.  She gave us our handsome boy Gator who we adore, and he loved his momma. Whenever he saw her, he would check on her and then go back to play.  Such a good boy.  Mia never chewed up anything, she listened, she loved having toast and milk for breakfast especially if there was peanut butter on the toast.  She and Rosie were best friends, and she was just the best dog.  
On Wednesday she was really struggling. We knew this day was coming and we couldn't ignore the fact that Mia was tired, and her journey was done.  We are truly blessed that our vet was able to make her passage peaceful and pain-free.  So, our hearts are broken this week, but I wouldn't trade a single second with either of these beautiful girls for anything.  
Harlequin Take a Chance on Mia 9/19/2012 - 2/4/2024.  we are thankful you gave us 12 years.  

Fly free, Girls and know what we will forever miss you.  Your legacy lives on in our memories and in your beautiful children.