Well...I have been lurking for awhile...
technically not lurking. Just trying to catch up. And finally, today on my lunch break at work I did it!
Firstly, and foremost, I want to say that I am SO sorry for your loss. Your stories about Poppy brought such a smile to my face. What an amazing man and how lucky you are to have known him and had him in your family! Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Secondly, O.M.G. This is the greatest TR EVERRRRRRRRR. The people I work with the past few days have been questioning my sanity...one minute I'm laughing so hard I can't possibly keep it muffled, the next I'm balling my eyes out.
Thirdly, I just wanted to share...I am a fellow cocker spaniel owner...errrrrrr...mommy

So many things that you said about your sweet little one reminded me so much of mine. Of course mine has a big sister (a border collie/jack russell...yeah. The word "handful" doesn't even come close to doing my children justice) that he learns a little too much from.
That's my little Johnny Cash (oh yea...the man in black...big sis is Dolly Parton...some would call us a just lil bit country :-D) The whole not licking but getting the nose as close as possible to yours...wow. You were describing how I wake up every morning. Except the minute he sees my eyes open I get a good face wash

. That is one of the things my husband and I joke about all the time so when I saw you write about it, I realized that it wasn't "just us", and it really just hit home
Anywho, just wanted to FINALLY write and let you know how much I have enjoyed your TR and can't wait to hear more from you!