Randy,
That was a beautiful letter. And beautiful pictures!! My favorite was the last one, staring into the camera.

I do believe animals have a sensitivity towards things that we humans often miss. That day it sounded as if you were "tuned in" with the animals, aware something was going on, just not sure what.

Your story stirred up my own feelings about a favorite dog passing, one I'll never forget. They certainly touch us in ways that are hard to explain (and hard for other "non dog people" to understand.)

I had a wonderful (touching may be a better word) experience when my dog brandi was dying at age 17. She was an extremely gently dog, an oversized purebred sheltie. Anyway, that day she began to die. There was nothing we could do for her, as I waited for my husband to come and help me get her to the vet to be put to sleep. I put down a blanket and sat with her, doing all the things she loved the most. Brushing her and feeding her water from a spoon when we became thirsty. All my other dogs, I had five at the time, gathered around her. No one touched the blanket, or bumped into her, they all sat around the blanket and just watched her. She rested peacefully. They never left her side, even when I had to go and get ready to take her to the vet. It was very touching. I had not called them over, or anything like that. We did get her to the vet, and as she arrived there, she passed away.
Your story reminded me of my story. Sadie looked like a great dog! I know she is treasured in your memories...just like our old faithful and true dogs are in our memories.
May God bless you

I must appologize to everyone for the outsized pictures.
Try these, see if it doesn't give you a better look at her.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/imrsallen/Sadie1a.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/imrsallen/sadie222-1.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/imrsallen/sadie46.jpg

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj62/imrsallen/Sadie-1.jpg

Thanks every one for your heart felt out reaches.
Randy

Neither set was outsized on my screen.

It never ceases to amaze me how these furry 4 legged animals called dogs can have such an impact on peoples lives. I think its wonderful - sometimes people think I'm alittle nuts but I am so happy with my dogs around. I'm glad you had a chance Randy to have such a wonderful companion in your life - I know its a terrible heartache when they leave...
Thanks for sharing your memories

Randy,

Thank you for sharing.

When I was a teenager, in the late 60's, our GSD Brenda got arthritis and mom made the decision to have her put to sleep. Every once in awhile I still dream of her.

Rich

What a beautiful dog- and a beautiful sentiment. It makes sense that you still feel her loss. Time doesn't heal wounds, it just helps us learn to live with the pain, gives us time to establish new routines to try and fill the empty spaces, and keeps us marching irrevocably forward to find new sources of joy and fulfillment.

I have loved every dog, every puppy I have ever had or taken care of, but my "heart" dog was a Greyhound named 'Garth' who was my everything. I lost him 2/9/05, (two days before my birthday) and a day has not gone by that I haven't thought of him, so I get it.

I offer my thoughts, prayers, understanding and support.

Randy,
What a lovely, heartfelt letter, and such beautiful pictures of Sadie. Thank you for sharing her with us, I am truly touched.

Oh man Randy, the puppy in the leaves,,,the girl proud with her toy,,,,

LOL Steve.
The reason she looks so contented in that picture?
If you count closely you'll find five, yes five(!), tug toys. Believe me, she was sure they were all hers!

She never did change either. I did.
Randy

Edited by randy allen (12/03/2008 07:01 PM)
Edit reason: just spelling