China, our beautiful and sweet black-and-white Shih Tzu, passed away on Thursday from heatstroke. I put the dogs out on their leads, thinking they would again dig under the fence as they did on Tuesday, and left them outside with some water and shade while I ran errands and got Handsome from school. I had no idea there was a heat advisory, but even if there wasn't, I shouldn't have left them out. China's death is entirely my fault, and I hope I live enough of a good life and have some grace from God so that I can make it to Heaven and ask her for her forgiveness. Fuzzy almost lost his life, but our vets were able to bring down his temp, which wasn't even registering on their thermometers, in a short amount of time. He is testy and tired, but here with us. LJ was not affected really. I wish I could turn back time and bring them in before I left the house, but I didn't and there's no turning back time. I will always feel lower than pond scum and beg for forgiveness, as long as I live. Bubba was incredibly sweet that evening, telling me as I sobbed that China loved us, that it was an accident, that it was in God's plan. I try to remember that, but have been unable to get back to every day things since she died. China, you didn't deserve what happened--you were a wonderful dog.