Proud of my work -- 16 Years of Service

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.


As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki



A Remembrance Video of Mattie

December 18, 2020

Friday, December 18, 2020

Friday, December 18, 2020

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2007. Mattie was five years old. By that point, Mattie was old enough to understand the notion of taking photos and would sit still and smile. Which was a night and day difference from the previous years. Mattie loved his reindeer headband and I am so glad Peter captured this in a photo. We couldn't have possibly believed when this photo was taken that a year later Mattie would be diagnosed with cancer and would endure chemotherapy and surgeries. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins

  • Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 17,390,245
  • Number of people who died from the virus: 312,845


It has been a full day of chores, running around, packing, and doing last minute Foundation work in order for me to be away for a month. I am heading to Los Angeles to provide support for my dad and give my mom a break. 

This aerial photo is of Sunny's retreat that we take him to in Chantilly, VA. I am so happy we found a new place to board Sunny, as I was less than thrilled with his last place. This new facility was recommended to me by Sunny's surgeon. It is a boarding facility with an on-site vet, and it has 6 wooded acres with multiple fenced areas for exercise and walking around. Which I know Sunny loves. Sunny has a daily schedule which consists of walks, hikes, treats, and lambs wool bedding! All I know is when we picked him up from Pender Retreat in the summer, Sunny was happy and his mood was stable. Unlike his previous boarding experiences, where Sunny would come back to us agitated and depressed. 

Meanwhile, Miss Indie was boarded at our vet early this morning. They love her there and frankly she is so easy going, that I don't really worry so much about her. I am signing off for today. Will be writing from LA tomorrow evening!

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