March 30, 1997 was the day our dear Josie was born, 5 years to the day after my beautiful daughter, Morgan was born. Six weeks later she came to live with us. I was pregnant with my son at the time. Josie was very smart and caught on to commands quickly. She did, however, think that she was human. And I now know she wasn't...she was soooo much more!!!
I could tell many, many stories of how great she was. Funny stories too. She loved human food, bread and cheese being her favorites. Shortly after I redid the kitchen the cupboard were chipped. I finally figured why day I found the empty wrapper, from the brand new loaf of bread. She was jumping up and pulling the bread down. From then on we made sure to push the loaf to the back of the counter, but made sure she got a slice every morning.
She went camping, boating, swimming and to the drag strip. For over 12 years she was a very special part of our family. The vet had originally projected she would live to be 9 to 11 years old. When we passed 11 I was thrilled...when we reached 12...I was elated. I knew she was getting old but I was starting to think she might make it to 13. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case.
Her arthritis had increased but other than that she was healthy. Good heart and lungs, her eyesight was still good...I suspect her hearing was waining a bit though. Her appetite was good, especially for bread, cheese and ice cream. She loved when Jon won his ball game..she always got a baby vanilla in a cup.
On July 24th it became crystal clear that she couldn't be forced to endure anymore pain. Her back legs weren't working at all. And the pain meds she was on were, while a lethal dose for humans, not nearly enough to dull her pain. It was the hardest thing I have ever ever had to do. Morgan, Jack (the most amazing friend in the world) and I were with her. My friend Terri works at the vets and was there too. I can't tell you how much my heart was screaming no, no, no don't give her the injection while my mind knew this was my opportunity to love her as much as she had always loved me. She was in so much pain. And then for the first time in a very long time she was still, calm, pain free. But my friend was gone! The pain is unbearable! We burried her at the barn...she loved being at the barn...with her blanket from my ottoman and her rope.
Each day will get better...I know that. The week before Josie left us we had adopted a new puppy, her name is Sidney. Josie liked her. She certainly does not, will not, replace Josie...but she helps the healing process.
4 comments:
I know how difficult this posting was for you but it was also theraputic!! You did a beautiful tribute to Josie and there is no doubt she had a very good life with LOTS of LOVE. We too shall miss her!!
Sidney looks like a little ball of fun for years to come! Where did you come up with the name?? Did you realize that was the name of my 1st serious boyfriend?? LOL ... true .. how funny is that!!
I am so sorry. It heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye to one of our animal family members. thoughts and prayers are with you
Thank You for posting this tribute but thank you more for allowing me to get to know Josie. She will always be a part of me as well.
Yes, I was away and wasn't able to rub her head and claim her as being..."Misunderstood"...but a few weeks prior, I talked to her and she to me. We knew.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your beloved pet. I recently lost my pet love bird (Norma Jean) its been so difficult for me. I loved her more than any pet I have ever had. But it sounds like your dog had a good, long, happy life, and your new puppy is ADORABLE!
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