I'm writing this
early because I won't be able to later ...
After over 13 years
of love, loyalty, and companionship, the time has come for us to say
goodbye to our beloved Sasha. I've been caught in a struggle between
my head, which is telling me it's the right thing to do, and my heart
which says we can keep looking after her for a while yet. We've known
this day would be coming but I haven't been able to acknowledge it.
Sasha's spirit is
still willing (and her 'attitude' is as apparent as ever) but her
physical ailments have significantly impacted her quality of life.
When I see her struggle to get up or hobble along for even a short distance or
groan with pain when we have to roll her over to sleep, I know the
time has come. When she looks at me trustingly with her big soft
brown eyes or tucks her head under my chin when I sit beside her on
the floor, my conviction wavers.
The wheels have been
set in motion, however, and I have to keep telling myself it's the
right decision. And yet ...
Come celebrate her
life ... (I had earlier written 'commiserate with me' but I think
it's more appropriate to remember how she's enriched our lives):
28 comments:
I know from experience what a difficult and painful decision this is. This was a wonderful tribute to a beautiful and much-loved dog. Prayers for comfort for all of you.
bonjour Rick ! si tu savais comme je te comprends et combien il est difficile de prendre cette décision ! le regard du chien qui sait est terrible !
Sasha fait partie de ta vie, un peu de la nôtre aussi, il était toujours présent ! quand l'heure du départ sonne on se souvient et on peut dire qu'on a eu la chance d'avoir près de soir un animal merveilleux ...
je te souhaite du courage Rick et
je t'envoie des bises chaleureuses pour te réconforter un peu
Wat verdrietig, Rick. Uit ervaring weet ik hoe moeilijk zoiets is. Vooral die trouwe ogen die je dan zo aankijken en waarna je het helemaal weer niet weet. Ik wens je heel veel sterkte. Een prachtig filmpje van een geweldige hond, een trouwe vriendin en familielid. Groetjes, Joke
magnifique et émouvante vidéo !
bisous Rick
I too have reached this exact moment and decision,
and know how hard it is.
You've struggled with this decision, and must
focus on her comfort, and a beautiful life and
friendship.
Nice tribute, my friend.
This is always so sad to do but inevitable. Lovely tribute with the photos, she had a good life with you and your family, keep that in mind. Wish you all the strength with this step.
Marianne
Rick ondanks de moeilijkheden kan je ook mooi aangeven dat je op een geweldig prachtige tijd met haar terug kunt kijken en dat maakt alles wel wat makkelijker.
Sorry to hear. It sounds like she has had a very happy and full life. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Oh I am so sorry this is never an easy decision I have had to make it a couple of times, Sasha is truly beautiful. Hug B
Oh I'm so sorry Rick. I'm crying my eyes out here watching the video of Sasha's life. What a great companion she's been all these years. Blessings to you.
I am very sorry for your family to say goodbye to such a friend you did a wonderful job on the video and you all will be with sasha again when it is time.
My eyes are wet from viewing your beautiful tribute to Sasha. I am so sorry for your loss. I certainly know how you feel of losing a precious member of the family. Sasha is at the Rainbow Bridge most likely frolicking with other critters. Please take care.
I too have been there and done that and reading your post moistens my eyes for you and for our memories. It is a rare thing to find the loyalty and unconditional love that you get from a dear pet. Our thoughts are with you and this very difficult time.
Even though I have not received any personal assurances from Him, I really want to believe that their beloved pets will spend all of eternity with our Heavenly Father's children by faith in His Kingdom of Heaven, and I would love to see Sasha romping around with Lady, Princess, Reenie, Obie, Trixie and Grayson.
Rick, I know only too well, just how painful this is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fly high, sweet girl.
xo.
“Je schöner und voller die Erinnerung,
desto schwerer ist die Trennung.
Aber die Dankbarkeit verwandelt die Qual der Erinnerung in eine stille Freude.
Man trägt das vergangene Schöne nicht wie einen Stachel,
sondern wie ein kostbares Geschenk in sich.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Lutheran theologian)
For you and your faithful companion ....
J+C
So sorry to hear Rick. Know Sasha was a much loved member of the family.
Al B
Sorry Sasha, it's time to go.
Thank you everyone for your support and your heartfelt comments. You truly are good people.
Ohhhhhhh.... wat ontzettend moeilijk is dit! Je trouwe vriend Sascha in laten slapen is een vreselijk moeilijke beslissing. Je neemt deze ook niet zomaar en ik weet ook hoe je je hierbij voelt.
Lieve Rick, heel veel sterkte en Sascha zal altijd bij je blijven in jullie harten.
Heel veel sterkte en liefs,
Helma
Hi Rick, how you doing? So sorry to read about Sasha. My thoughts are with you. That's a very nice header and video of Sasha. You did a great job.
Thank you for sharing with us. Take care, my dear friend. God Bless.
Warmest regards.
Amelia
Oooh, that's too sad Rick! Sasha seems to be such a nice dog. You'll remember all the good times you spend with here. I'm sure you never will forget such a good buddy and friend.
Hugs, Hilde
Oh no Rick, I have tears wanting to slide down my cheeks, my heart goes out to you and poor Sasha. I went to read your latest post and had to come back to this one to see what happened. I believe it's through immense love and sorrow that the decision had to be made. I send my heartfelt condolences, Sasha was a true friend and always put a huge smile on my face when I would see photos of her, it was very apparent just how much she was loved. Huge hugs sent out to you.
Rick I just watched the video you put together and it's an absolutely beautiful tribute to precious Sasha. Those tears, ya they're rolling down my cheeks now, this sure touched me. After seeing Sasha in photos this past 5+ years it's like I got to know her, amazing how photos can do this. Huger (new word) hugs my friend.
This post hurts my heart. I have had to put two beloved pets down and there is nothing more heartbreaking.
I'm so sorry for offering this belated expression of sympathy. As you know, my blogging has been sporadic of late. You made a lovely and fitting tribute for an obviously wonderful friend. I look forward to meeting her one day. Hoping your sweet memories of her will comfort you until the day you meet again.
Hi Rick... I'm sorry this message is late coming, I only just now saw this sad but very beautiful tribute to Sasha. I've not been very active on Blogger this year and I am deeply saddened by this news. I know, from all the wonderful posts, pictures you shared with us just how much your beautiful Sasha meant to you and your family. My belated condolences to you all. It's such a good thing that you carry your camera with you always...you have so many beautiful memories captured forever. Warm regards, Katherine
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