With the arrival of Zeus last week, it became painfully obvious that while we cared for Holly, we just weren't as bonded with her as we are with Alice and Zeus. Right when we realized that Zeus would be staying, it seemed like it might be good to find Holly a wonderful home. No sooner had I spoken those words did my good friend Linea, beagle rescue person beyond compare, find a great home for her. The decision was hard and I still question it, but on Sunday we took Holly to her new home. She's now the only dog of an older man who lives alone. Her new facilities include a yard that made her look huge (and she loved!) and a house that's much bigger than ours, filled with places to sniff and snort.

I cried as we left and for most of the way home but now that it's settling in, I'm more certain it was the right thing for her. We'll be back to visit in two weeks, more for my benefit than anything else. I miss her but I don't miss the guilt in looking at her, knowing that I didn't adore her the way she deserves to be.

Christmas, we were once again a family of four. Most of the day was spent napping, Zeus on the bed beside us, Alice in her bed on the floor. Noticably absent was the snorting and daily morning whining that marked Holly's time with us. We do miss her, and I made it very clear that she's welcome back at any time, for any reason. But it's good that she was able to be someone's Christmas present the way Zeus is for us.