It was a bad weekend for Sherika. I had to put my second Old English down.
God....it was the last thing I thought I would be doing last Monday. Don't bad things always happen when you think life is just a little too good?
I feel a sadness that is almost unbearable. She was the best dog ever. She didn't bark, never had an accident in the house....just the biggest lover girl ever with huge brown eyes that pierced your soul.
I rescued them together even though they weren't related. 2 different people up in Rome, Georgia bought them to breed but she would have nothing to do with that:) My sister [the bunny] and I drove up from Atlanta to get them and it changed my life. They were 2 years old.
To say they were wild animals was an understatement. My first hint should have been when they asked "do you have cages?". I looked at them all wide eyed and excited and said "gosh no"....I'm just going to put them in my car. I then asked if they were house trained and they said...."well I don't think so cause they have never been in the house".
Oh.
That was an experience. What they neglected to tell me was that she was in heat. Holy crap. I mean we are driving down the highway and he is trying to get to her and she jumps in the front seat....in my lap and he is going crazy....he took a big poop and was stomping all in it. We had the windows down and were gaging for the 75 mile home.
Whew....maybe I bit off more than can chew.
Long story short.....I bought 2 huge cages....put my LR furniture in storage.....spent 5,000.00 on medical bills for mange, ear infections, eye infections, getting them both fixed.
I hired trainers....and finally sent them both to boarding school. It was a huge undertaking. To say my husband was not happy was an understatement.
But after a year and a half I put up the cages and they became part of the family. I loved those rascals so so much.
They both had a lot of medical problems. About the cost of a new car. Which is why my car is over 10 years old.....but the love they gave was worth every cent.
She loved to be outdoors.....
On Tuesday I took Patches in for her summer shave. When we picked her up they alerted us to a growth on her rear. It was about the size of a tennis ball.....we couldn't see because her hair was so long....
After a trip to the vet the news was not good. Anal Carcinoma. Fast growing. That tumor had probably grown to that size in less than 2 months. Even if it has not spread....no cure and if we have it removed it will just come back that fast.
I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. Another opinion.....yes....that is what we will do. I called and made an appointment with the oncologist for Monday [today].
Honestly she did not seem sick at all....so that gave me a glimmer of hope. Even Friday everything was OK....but y'all the tumor doubled in size in 2 days. That brings us to Sat morning.
I noticed she did not seem like herself before I went to teach my class at the gym. I had that dreaded feeling the whole class. In my heart I knew.
When I got home at 10:00 I could tell she was in pain. This tumor was preventing her from going to the bathroom. She kept looking at me with those beautiful eyes and I knew it was time.
She loved the beach....
Halloween was her favorite holiday.
When she was in a good mood she would flip over on her back:)
When I had to put Zipper down at least I had her to come home to. I am glad that she got to be the "queen" for the last year and a half.
Good by my sweet sweet Patches girl.....you gave me so much love I will never forget you.
Thanks for listening y'all......I think this one was more for me......
110 comments
I'm so sorry. Dogs are so wonderful. Such good friends. Thank you for sharing your love for her with us.
Still heartbroken for you. I "became a dog person" when I got my hound 15 years ago and it just kind of takes over, doesn't it. I always say, one of my first questions at the pearly gates will be why on earth do turtles get to live a hundred years and dogs get so little time.
Your post brought me to tears. I too am a dog lover and have 2 rescue dogs at home. There's nothing like the unconditional love of an animal. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
joannedeeran@comcast.net
Sherry, I'm so sorry for you. You can see in every picture how much love she had for you. Thinking of you and hope your memories of happy times together will be a source of comfort. Michele
Oh my gosh Sherry. I can hardly see my keyboard for the tears. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your were the best mama ever to those two sweet souls. You saved them and them the best life possible. I've been thinking of you since I saw this on facebook. Huge hug!
Sherry
So sorry for your loss, They come into our life and touch our hearts and the hard part is letting them go. I pray her memories offer you comfort.
What a beautiful soul. I'm so sorry for your loss. We've always had dogs, and I do understand the pain you are feeling...take care.
I'm so sorry Sherry. It really is unfair that they are with us for such a short time. I went through the same thing this time last year. To help alleviate some of my grief I planted a memory garden for our sweet Daisy. Of course our new puppy dug half of it up. Makes me laugh cuz she would have done the same thing. Try to remember those LOL moments. Hang in there.
You are such a sweet soul to take in those 2 little orphans and care for them so tenderly.
Love made visible.
I'm so sorry, Sherry. It is such a painful loss. I hope you feel some comfort in knowing that you gave her a good, happy life, and that she's now pain-free and running around with Zipper!
Oh, Sherry, I'm a blubbering mess after reading that, and my heart just aches for you. Losing a pet is hard enough but losing 2 so close together is a punch in the gut. Please know I'm thinking of you during this time of sadness.
Kathy
They were both part of your family and knew how loved they were!
Patches story is beautiful and sweet. Poor baby. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think it is more difficult to lose our furry children than some humans. Sherry, I cry with you and for you. XOXO, Linda
oh, no. I never comment on blogs (despite enjoying them immensely), but yours is a fave, and this post...oh. We are still grieving the loss of our Doberman; it's been 18 mos. I can't bear the thought of your now-empty house (I had another at home, too, when I had to let Gretchen go, and it most definitely helps). Certainly you're not up to choosing a new pet so soon--but do you think fostering would be any comfort? I'm just grasping at straws--the fact that fostering is temporary might equal more and not less hurt, but I still think you need an animal to love on right now. Anyway, prayers for you. They are family--of the finest sort.
Oh No!!! I'm so so sorry. I know how much you adored her. She was so cute with her sweet pink tummy. It's just so so hard, and that's all there is to it, but what else could you do. She will probably come visit you in your dreams...
big hug,
Cindy
It's amazing how these little souls come into our lives to "rescue" us in return. The love they share with us is just a small reflection of what life should always be…childlike, forgiving and joyful. Remember her always and keep yourself open to another when the time is right….you have much love to share in her behalf.
Sherry, so sorry to hear this news. It is never easy as they are one of our children! However, glad she is no longer suffering and is running free with her old bud Skipper. I know he was glad to see her. Hugs!!!
I'm so sorry.....when I lost my boys I swear my heart broke into a million pieces. I cried for weeks and still miss them horribly. It is so unfair that they are with us for such a short amount of time. (((HUGS)))
~Des
Oh, Sherry. That is such a tough, tough loss. I've been through it many times myself, and it hurts just as much every time. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I'm so so sorry for your loss. I have loved all your posts including the sweet glimpses of your dogs. I never grew up with a dog and only recently got one for our daughter and I never knew how much joy they bring. I will be praying for you and thank you for sharing.
I'm so sorry..if I were there I would give you a big hug! My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time.
So sorry to hear this news. She sounds like she was a wonderful friend and you gave her an amazing life. It is always so hard to let them go. Jane
love and hugs, sherry. I can hardly stand it myself...your friend, donna
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving these beautiful creatures such a loving home.
This makes me so sad... A big hug to you Sherry... loosing a dog is truly loosing a member of the family. My heart just breaks... the only good thing though is for sure, when she died, she knew she was loved...:-(
I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful life you gave Patches - every dog, especially an Old English, deserves to spend time at the beach, I can only imagine how giddy she must have been there.
Hope you find peace with sweet memories...
Reading your post with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry you lost your sweet pup. She will always live in your heart.
Heartbroken for you. Saying goodbye to such an adorable companion is one of life's cruel experiences, take comfort that both your pets gave you lovely memories.
Barb
I'm so very sorry. There's nothing like the unconditional love of a pet. It's so hard to say goodbye to them. She looks like such a sweetie.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are a wonderful woman for saving those two and you can tell from the pictures she loved you.
I am so so sorry Sherry! I know this is so hard for you and its one of the hardest things in life to lose our sweet furry friends. If it helps in any way, each day gets just a tad better and easier. I never thought I would make it through losing our German Shorthair Sophie and for days, I couldn't breath. Finally, it got a little easier. It's too the core and I know that feeling, sadness and pain. It will get better and you will get to a point when those memories turn from sadness to joy.
Hang in there dear friend. Hugs and prayers Sherry. xo
My deepest condolences for your loss! There really are no words to appease your grief. Only that, you did the very best for your babies and they had the best life our doggie babies could ever have! hugs to you! shonda
This is a beautiful tribute, Sherry. I said goodbye to my old dog a little over a year ago, it's the pits. My heart goes out to you.
I'm so sorry, Sherry. Your babies had so much love. We don't have kids, so our dogs, Panda and Mocha, are like our children. They are 16 and 15....obviously slowing down and lots of health issues. Thinking of you.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Our fur babies will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for giving her the BEST life.
Lura
x
So sorry for your loss Sherry. Such a beautiful pup.
We put Tiggy down 6 months ago...her brother, Jack, has been "king" since then...I totally get it and my heart breaks for you....a lovely post....k
this post brought tears to my eyes! I am SO SO sorry that you had to put your sweet dog down. I know how difficult this is and dread the day that I lose my sweet Max (now that he's 10). Take comfort in knowing you gave him a wonderful life and he couldn't have wanted anything more.
Sherry I am so, so very sorry for your loneliness you are feeling in your heart. Sending a great big hug to you, my sweet friend.
xoxo Kathysue
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. She sounds like a wonderful girl and I know how heartbroken you feel - we had to put down our Martha 8 years ago and I felt like someone had torn my heart out - if only dogs could stay with us forever. Big hugs xo
I've been a long time follower but this is my first time commenting. I am so sorry. Dogs are the best, most amazing companions. The only bad thing about a dog is that you always outlive them.
Lots of love and prayers for you and your beautiful girl.
I'm so sorry you had to say good-bye to another furry family member. I have enjoyed your hilarious "dog" stories and the wonderful photos you have shared of them both. I wish you kindness as you heal your heart.
sherry, i am so so sorry for your loss. sending you love.
I am so sorry. Our girls are getting older and I dread what will happen to us when their time comes. Sending you healing thoughts.
Oh my gosh I couldn't even finishe this post. We had a labrador our trainer and friend called the wonder dog. His father was the Purina Dog Chow lab. She said you have one great dog in your lifetime and he is it. He lived to be 14. He was such a wonderful dog we couldn't bare to get another. Two years later our breeder called and said she had "a litter on the ground" from the same father (frozen sperm). Enter the Beau monster. I was nearly ready to kill my husband for talking me into getting a puppy. No problem for him his office is in town. My point is this time shall pass even though it seems positively unbearable. Don't wait as long as we did go get a "Beau" he will enlighten your life and soon they will morf into one another. I am sooooo sorry for you. You did the right thing. Luckily our pups don't have to suffer like we humans. We have a dear friend that would be far luckier if he were a dog.
Oh Sherry, my heart is so broken for you. Our Kipper was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. In my heart I know his time is limited now, but I can't bear to think of life without him. Dogs are one of the greatest gifts in this life. No one loves you like your dog. And I love mine like hes my third child. So I give you a hug in thought, and I pray for the healing of your broken heart. What a lovely post and tribute.
I have had to take this action, more time then I want to remember. The thought of each time still brings tears to my eyes , but in my heart I know it was the correct thing to do, not for me , not for my Family, but for our Families best friend.
May God grant you peace.
APM
What a wonderful life they had. I'm so sorry.
Sweet sweet Sherry - how we love you for loving your dogs so much. I am so sorry for the loss of your family member. I have enjoyed all your stories and them being your blog mascots these past years endearing us all to them. I know your pain and am do sorry. You were a wonderful mom to them both . You are so fortunate to have had those souls in your life. Big hugs to you xo Nancy
Thank God you rescued her. (In so many ways they rescue us.) She was a beautiful girl. I send you hugs with condolences from the Pacific Northwest.
w/L.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a punch in the gut this must be for you. Your tribute to her was lovely; it's clear how very much you loved those two pups. I hope that your memories and the love you're shown by your readers will sustain you in the days ahead.
I know the pain you are going through and can offer no words to alleviate your sorrow, but they say we will see our pets again(on the other side) and I believe it. I recently ran across this quote online that I think captures the essence of the love we share with our animals:
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."
- Irving Townsend –
Take care of yourself.
Oh man, this brings back so many feelings of when we went through this a little over a year ago with our German Shorthaired Pointer, Ruffino. Dogs are just such wonderful pains in the ass :D What I wouldn't give to rub him behind the ears and pull him close one more time. Thank you for sharing your memories of your lovely girl with us. My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry Sherry.
I am so sorry for your loss. Feel good about the life you gave them. They were lucky dogs to find a loving home.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your furbaby, Sherry. My heart truly goes out to you.
We too are dog people, so sorry for your loss. Very nice tribute you wrote. Take care
I am obsessed with your blog. Because you are so real, so talented and obviously such a great woman. My eyes are filled with tears as I read this. I lost a Golden Retriever 12 years ago and my hear still aches. A year later we took on a new Golden. He is laying here at my feet right now. He is declining, I know and I hurt just thinking of not having him. Sherry, I don't know you, I rarely if ever comment on blogs.(But I obsessively read them!) I send you my heart-felt condolences. What a good life you gave your beautiful pups. You were both lucky to have each other. Peace to you.
dammit, why are their lives so short? what a shock to contend with, my heart is with you sherry.
what lucky pooches to have found a home with you, your care and love speaks volumes about your soul. love you for your design aesthetic and humor, even more now for your heart
debra
I am so sorry. I am heartbroken for you. Thank you for sharing the story of rescuing your sweet pups and all the wonderful pictures of them.
So so sorry . . . I remember that pain, but mostly I remember that kind of love.
Sherry,
Your story made me laugh and cry.
I can't imagine the loss you're feeling right now but I am sure you'd agree the memories of your fur babies will live in your heart forever. They bring such joy and simple love to us, don't they?
Hugs and prayers for you in the coming days. So much going on with the finale of the house you're working on and now the this loss. May you be surrounded with friends and people you love.
Betsy Gordon
I'm so sorry to learn about your loss. I have two dogs and can't imagine how devastating it would be to say goodbye to both of them in such a short time (well...ever really).
I hope your fond memories of them will bring you comfort and knowing that you let them go so they would not suffer was the kindest thing you could have done.
I'm so heartbroken for you Sherry. Patches was obviously the most special gal and I can only imagine how much you're missing her. Thanks for sharing the story about how you came to get Patches and her brother - you are just the most warm-hearted, special person to give them such a wonderful home. Sounds like they returned the favor with years of special love for you. Hang in there friend.
I'm so sorry Sherry! I read your blog all the time and I think this is the first time I've ever posted. I had to do the same thing a couple of years ago so I know the pain. My golden retriever, Henry, had anal carcinoma and he went so fast! The day I put him down, he was in such good spirits, but he couldn't get up anymore. We fed him every treat in the jar at the vets (which he ate enthusiastically), hugged him, cried, cried some more, and then said goodbye. Dogs are so wonderful...thanks for sharing Patches with us.
I'm so sorry. I know how heartbreaking it is, so many of us have unfortuantely been there. Our pets are our family and it hurts do deeply.
we all can feel your love...a heartbreaker.
Sincere condolences. We had to put down our darling sweetheart poodle a year ago. Having a relationship with a dog is such a profound gift. This probably sounds dumb but I feel like I have a better understanding of and connection to the entire animal kingdom because of having experienced life with a dog.
Judy Borwn
I've always said they are members of your family and the pain of loss is very strong and deep. I know how you feel.
What a beautiful tribute to sweet Patches. What a good mom you were to her. I hope your pain eases and you can remember the good times someday. Take care of yourself, Sherry.
Sherry, my heart is hurting for you and your family. I so know what you are going thru...I'm not going to turn this into me sharing my recent heartbreak but just know I get it...on a lighter note, after we lost our precious Savannah in September, we tossed around the idea of another dog...so many pros and cons...we had the opportunity to pet sit for our neighbors one year old pup...so fun but so exhausting...definitely not ready....
I was laughing thru tears as you described your car trip with your babies! You are a hoot and I'm always so happy when I see a post from you has arrived in my in box!
A fan from Texas, Sharon
I am so sorry!!!
You were a great mama to these amazing dogs!
I am sure you will see them in heaven one day.... My thoughts are with you.
I rarely comment, but enjoy your blog so much!! What a great post with beautiful pictures on your sweet Patches. You must do a photo book of these wonderful memories. I'm sure your Patches is now in dog heaven. Big hugs and love to you.......
Worst of heartbreaks. She was a beautiful girl and what a wonderful life she obviously had thanks to your loving care. Thinking of you...
I'm so sorry to read about Patches. Reading through your post about her and looking at all your wonderful photos just took me back to my childhood and my wonderful Old English Sheepdog, Domino. OESs are the best dogs ever! My Mom still talks about Domino like we lost him last year and its been over 25 years since he's been gone. There's just something about them that touches your soul.
Oh, Sherry, my heart breaks for your loss. Having you for a mom was like heaven on earth for Patches & Zipper. You were lucky to of found one another.
Ordinarily I hang on to your every word ~ but today I don't know if I can read the whole post in one sitting. Hits too close to home...
"To end a dog's suffering you must choose to accept your own".
thinking of you ~
I'm sure Patches was a designer dog of the heart. So very sorry for your loss.
I've never posted twice on a blog, but while on Pinterest today, I came across this beautifl poem posted on BarkPost that I have to share with you. And as so many readers have posted already, I will echo that, not only did you save their lives, you provided a warm and loving life for them. The poem:
The tide recedes, but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on
in sweet soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
Dumb dogs, I hate it when they leave us...but they've given us so much in life.. Big hug to you!
I am so so sorry. Several years ago my beloved German Shepherd, Max passed away at the age of fourteen. I still miss him. Two and half years later we adopted Remi our sweet Catahoula/Australian Shepherd pup. He is amazing and my fifth child (Max was first, then my three human children and now Remi!) Here's a BIG HUG during this difficult time. Marion
Oh Sherry, so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for you and your husband.
Oh, Sherry, I am so very very sorry! You were a good doggie mama to take such loving care of your fur people. My heart is breaking with you as I know how very hard it is to lose a four-legger. Thinking of you!
I'm so sorry for your loss....pets are like family & bring us so much joy.....you r in my thoughts & prayers.
Like I said on fb I'm so sorry. So glad you shared their story. I just sob any time I hear someone had to put a pet down. You gave them both a good life. I hope you feel a bit better each passing day.
No words....heart wrenching! Hugs to you.
Our beloved baby Zoe is having problems and my heart aches for you and the sadness you are feeling. They become family and not only touch your heart, but your soul and she was so lucky to have you for her Mom.
Hugs,
Karol
It's the same as losing a human family member. I'm sorry for your loss :(
It's the same as losing a human family member. I'm sorry for your loss :(
I am so sorry about precious Patches. She was beautiful and I know you gave her a wonderful home unlike the previous owners. They are family members and when we lose them, it's so difficult.
RIP Patches.
Do you have the Crossing Rainbow Bridge poem?
I am so sorry. I know how much you love your furry babies. You are a good pet owner. Hang in there. Love ya.
Oh my god I am balling here! I love my past and present dogs and I feel your pain I am still not over the passing of my hogan and that was 2 years ago. I am so sorry for you sending a hug ...
My heart goes out to you Sherry! Why is it that our animals don't live long enough? They give so much love without asking for anything in return. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Leigh
I am so very sorry for your loss. Patches was almost as lucky to have you as you were to have her.
I'm so, so sorry my friend, my heart aches for you and the emptiness you feel. I loved that you shared both of your babies and their sweet personalities with us on your blog, they couldn't have had a more loving home! xoxo Pam
As I type this i am crying for your broken heart. Dogs are like children and they bring so much unconditional love to our lives.
I am so sorry for your loss and am sure that she is in a better place and out of pain.
Love endures and love never dies! Pet lovers everywhere share ur sorrow. Our family is very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets become such important parts of our families and give us so much unconditional love. My heart breaks for you.
Take care, Shelley
It hurts so much to lose such a wonderful and loving friend. My heart feels your pain.
It's so sad to read that your sweet Patches has passed. For all that have shared this experience you are in our prayers. It's always true that the rescues always rescue us right back. Your 2 had the forever home that all dogs would wish for. Thanks for loving them and making them family.
So so sorry to hear this. Sending big hugs your way.
So sorry for your broken heart, Sherry. You gave her a loving home. Our fur babies are so dear. Hugs to you.
Sherry I am so very sorry. We just lost our big old lug of a Saint Bernard in February and so I know how hard this time is for you. I loved reading your story about your pups and how you loved them despite the pooping in the car. You saw through their neglect and gave them a wonderful life!! How lucky they both were to have you and wow - weren't they such blessings in disguise? So glad for you that you had each other to love.
Hi Sherry,
It's the hardest thing to go through.....I've been there and I know what you're going through. The fact that you feel so bad means that you were truly a loving mom to your dear little four-legged child! I know that doesn't make you hurt any less. God bless you,
Holly
awww Sherry, so sorry to hear this. So much pain, but what joy she brought to your life. Huge hugs from over here my friend.
Oh, bless your heart, Sherry. I am so sorry for your loss. What a lucky girl she was to have you; what a lucky girl you were to have her. Beloved dogs truly are family.
oh my god, Sherry. I had no idea. I am SO sorry about Patches. I know how much they meant to you. I don't know how you'll fill this hole in your heart but please lean on us for any distractions possible. my heart is with you.
Sherry, Karolyn from the Relished Root told me about your loss. I just lost my youngest last Saturday as well. It's been a struggle to say the least, she was my best friend and although we still have 2 others to take care of, the missing void is unlike anything else I've experienced so I most def feel your pain.
Keeping you in my prayers and hoping the memories and these pictures of Patches bring you peace for your darling girl's untimely departure <3
Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog
awww girl, I had been putting off reading this post and now I know why, bawling. So so sorry for you again. I want you to have more fur babies. They need you! xoxoxo
jenny from way over here in california
I just read this post because I've been keeping as busy as possible for the last month. We lost our precious Daisy Mae on March 13th and I've felt sick with heartbreak..Today I decided that I would try to live with joy in Daisy's honor. I'm so sorry for your loss, what an unbelievable blessing these babies are to us.
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