Dog Community

Sallie has gone over the Rainbow Bridge

Posted : 8/12/2006 7:36:29 PM

My best friend Sallie was put to sleep in my arms on July 26th, 2006. She was only 18 months old, but her injuries continued to cripple her, and she began losing the use of her remaining front leg, falling and bruising her poor chest. She tried so hard to be brave, to run, to play. But how could we ignore her cries of pain when getting up from the floor, her falling when trying to run or go down just one step.

This was the hardest decision of my life, and we are in the throes of the grieving process; the steps which as you all know includes guilt, etc.

I will always remember Sallie, and I surely hope to see her again, where we will run and play together thru fields of joy.

RIP Sallie Cordray, Feb 4, 2005-July 26, 2006.

July 26th was also my 63rd birthday, and no, it was not planned like that. But my birthday will never be the same.

Thank you all for your support thru her radial nerve damage, and for answering all my questions so compassionately and courteously. I will never forget you.

Cole

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 8/12/2006 7:52:47 PM

I am so very, very sorry to hear this. You did your very best for her and in the end, you put her interests above yours.

Wishing you comfort at this very difficult time and peace for your girl.

calliecritturs

Posted : 8/12/2006 9:57:01 PM

Cole - I am so sorry. When they are so young it is SO hard to see them injured -- and when that injury is so great that it won't heal *sigh* Cole I've BEEN there. I lost my little Pollyanna two years ago and she was only 8 months old. I wanted to rant and rave at the Moon. But in many ways it's like her injuries kept getting worse, despite all we did to help her heal.

My point is I totally understand how you feel and my heart and sympathies are with you. But sweet Sallie wouldn't want it to make you bitter but to be able to re-direct that love.

Take some time and visit a shelter -- and tell those dogs about Sallie as you drop off the open food and such things. Nothing will make this easy -- sometimes I think as we become more 'mature' such losses are more difficult rather than "experience bringing wisdom". But on the other hand she knew LOVE Cole. She knew love she never would have known without you.

And when she skidded to a stop at the foot of Rainbow Bridge she was met by a little white and brown "undefinable mix" and with ears flying Pollyanna took Sallie on the 'grand tour'. (and trust me -- if there are all the wonderful things up there for dogs that *I* think are up there, a bowl of strawberry ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream was PART of that tour!! cos Polly would want to share a BUNCH of her 'WOW' moments with Sallie!)

But along the way was a conversation like "Wow -- your Dad loved YOU a LOT!!!! He held you while you crossed the Bridge?? WHOA!!! Let's tell Foxy and Socks about THAT!!" (and probably 897 other dogs as well!!)

But Cole, trust me -- as a dog dad you are already legend status up there because Sallie knew how good you were to her. She loved you SO much! I can see it in her picture! (and by the way, this was my Polly)

[linkhttp://www.critturs.com/images/littledog2.jpg]http://www.critturs.com/images/littledog2.jpg[/link]

willowchow

Posted : 8/12/2006 10:03:59 PM

so sorry to hear about Sallie

tacran

Posted : 8/13/2006 12:31:50 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Sallie. As you said, making the decision to help your best friend to the Bridge is agonizing. The guilt and second-guessing is pretty significant for a lot of us (and speaking for myself, even 7 months later, I still struggle with those things).

When we were trying to make that same decision, we had a couple weeks where we wondered if Tonka would make it through some days. One of those days was my birthday. We were very close to making that dreaded appointment that morning, and I was devastated by the thought of him leaving us on that day. After thinking about it a bit, I decided if it had to be that way, I would look at it as a special thing -- that my birthday (which isn't something I get really excited about anymore!) would forever be connected to someone who had filled my heart and life with unmeasurable love, and I would be glad for the date having that significance. My life was forever changed by my precious boy, so it seems fitting that my birthday would take on such an important significance. As it turned out, he rallied for a few more days, but I will always remember those awful hours every birthday from now on.

Run free Sallie. You were loved more dearly in your short life than many unfortunate dogs are in years on earth. Take care Cole.

marty_ga

Posted : 8/13/2006 7:07:58 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about Sallie. You did everything you could to help. Run free, Sallie.

Lena (Penny Forever)

Posted : 8/13/2006 7:50:40 AM

Oh Cole,
My heart is breaking for you and your wife. Bianca and I were just talking about Sally yesterday, we hadn't see you here for awhile.
I know that the pain is so intense and the ache you have in the pit of your stomach. Please know that she is so thankful that you have set her free from all of the pain and she is now sprinting across the fields on all fours at Rainbow Bridge with all of her new brothers and sisters. She will be well taken care of there.
You's have given her so much and did everything in your powers to make her comfortable so please try not to feel guilty. I know it is easier said than done but in time you will see the clearer picture. They each are given to us for a purpose and each has its own lesson.
I pray that Sally comes to you in your dreams and helps you to find peace within.
In my book, you are one of the best doggie daddys I know.
If you need to talk, send me a pm.
(((HUGS)))
Lena & Bianca

Lena (Penny Forever)

Posted : 8/13/2006 8:00:31 AM

This is Sallys story.

[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=36426&mpage=1&key]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=36426&mpage=1&key[/link]=

glenmar

Posted : 8/13/2006 9:17:13 AM

Oh, gosh, I'm sorry. It's never enough time and we always second guess ourselves. Know that Sallie is thanking you for the love and care you gave to her and that she'll be waiting for you at the Bridge.

Run free sweetie!

bragg1120

Posted : 8/13/2006 11:00:28 AM

Cole, I am so sorry for your grief and guilt over Sallie... I can only imagine how hard it was to finally make that decision (that's something I mulled over for months, should I? when would the right time be?) I didn't have to make that decision but can understand how you feel.

You & your wife are in our thoughts and prayers... May Sallie run free at the Bridge, making new friends with all our beloved kids that are already there.[sm=angel.gif]