Dear Friends,
 
Last month we lost our beloved dog, Blue. He was the heart of our family for nine years and his passing has definitely left a void.  As I reflect on all Blue meant to us, I try to be thankful for the time we had together and for all the lessons that he taught me. Here are just a few:
 

• From the time we brought Blue home, he was always at our side. In fact, he rarely walked with a leash. As we roamed the neighborhood, he stopped and sat at every street corner as people paused to admire this good boy. Stay close to the ones you love and trust that they will always be there for you. 
• Ok, so my husband actually lost Blue once (and only once!) while walking him during a snowstorm. Blue dove headlong into a thicket to find a lacrosse ball and never came out. When Steve came home to tell me Blue was missing, I didn’t believe it. I slowly realized he wasn’t kidding and I panicked! Neighbors and friends lit up Facebook and the neighborhood message board and set out in search of Blue. Less than an hour later my niece found him sitting outside Somerset Elementary, icicles forming on his chin, waiting for my daughter to get out of school — just as he did every day. Someone may have neglected to tell Blue that school was canceled for snow, but his heart guided him to the right place. Should you lose your way, always return to what matters most. 
• Blue, like most labs, was a true water dog and his favorite place was Bethany Beach, DE. He loved chasing his ball into the ocean and swimming in the Salt Pond behind our townhouse. When I opened our front door, Blue often followed me outside. If I wasn’t paying attention and lost sight of him for a second, I would just count back from 5 until I heard the inevitable “SPLASH!” as he flew off the dock into the pond. I would hustle around back and see him standing in the water, smiling at me, his coat glistening in the sun. When the opportunity arises to do what you love, take it. 
• For the last year of his life, Blue battled diabetes. He adhered to a strict diet and received two shots of insulin per day, plus other meds and eye drops and … it was a lot. I know it wasn’t fun for him, but he was the most tolerant, good-natured patient anyone could ask for. He knew the routine and willingly approached for his shot after eating. May we all find our grace when tested. 

Thank you for letting me share these stories. It still hurts that Blue is gone, but I find that sharing my memories of him makes me smile. May you enjoy your holiday season and remember all that you have to be thankful for.

Warm wishes, Lauren

1111 Orren Street, NE #301
Washington, DC 20002
Offered at $497,000

Stunning, sunfilled, 2BD/1BA condo in one of DC's hottest neighborhoods and most importantly, super pet-friendly! Walkable to H Street and Union Market, this unit features a gourmet kitchen with large breakfast bar open to a spacious, sun-lit living/dining room, beautiful wide planked hardwood floors, in-unit washer/dryer and breath-taking rooftop party space with terrace and unbeatable views of the city.

Odin is one of Meghan's pups. He is a St Bernard and loves nothing more than when the weather switches to cold. For his house crush, he chose something from his origins in the Swiss Alps set on a huge mountain covered in snow!

Jelly is Corrina's four-legged friend. She is truly a princess and has no problem letting you know exactly what she wants (and likes)!

Brody is Meghan's other furry pal. He is the wisest and eldest of the LDT dogs (about to turn 84 in dog years). Here are his picks for articles this month...