I'm sobbing pretty much uncontrollably. But, I feel the need to talk about Missy.... and couldn't think of a better place to share.
See, 5 years ago (nearly 5.5) we walked into the Shelter after losing our 3 year old Penny in a tragic accident. We looked at the dogs.... all so sad in their kennels. But, none really "spoke" to us. A shelter worker came up to us and asked us what we were looking for. I started crying, saying that we had just lost our little dog. She listened and finally said, you know... we have a dog in the back that is just available for adoption she's about a year old and we haven't put her out, she's a special dog and we are all very attached to her and want her to go to a really good home. So, we sit down and wait. When they bring out the saddest looking little dog you've ever seen. Her huge ears, bulging, brown eyes... mottled gray coat. We all kind of looked at each other... not sure what to think. Here she is, a very sweet dog, but not Penny, and I know now we were looking for Penny that day. All I knew at that point is I couldn't leave her there.... so, I adopted her and ook her home and I am so very, very glad I did.
Reverse sneezing, kennel cough, wouldn't come when called (in fact, she'd run as fast as should could AWAY from you, hide and tremble in fear...). She's the reason I'm here, on this forum. 5 years ago I had a very scarred little dog that needed some help to get over her past. Who knew that little scared dog in the shelter would have impacted my life in ways I couldn't imagine.
She had so much soul in her eyes.... and such a sweet disposition. She was an absolute love and had a way about her that was so calm, and loving. I swear I can close my eyes right now, and swear she's in the room with me, with her little ears back, grinning at me. But, I'm sure she's with my mom, the person she loved more than any other. They bonded. They were a perfect match... and it hurts my heart the most for my mom. She didn't get enough time with little Missy, the most she could be is 7 maybe 8 yrs old. Out of no where she developed pulmonary edema today... and was in massive heart failure and died. It really was out of the blue, she played ball today, even the Vet said her heart beat was strong. She was the most stoic dog I've ever known, strong to the end and wanting nothing else than to be with her person.
It's hard.... this part of dog ownership. I know we all know this pain. The ache and emptiness our pets leave when they go.
Missy you gave me and my family more than we know, in so many ways. You loved with all your heart... until it finally couldn't beat anymore, that's a lot of love in just 7 short years... you were funny, sweet and one of the best dogs I've ever met. You taught me so much and gave me friendships I would never have formed. I'm forever grateful.
Run free, I hope all the trails are paved.... and there are plenty of bones to guard. We will always love and miss you.
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