Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Farewell




I remember the day so clearly, like it was just last year. It was early morning, Dave came in from outside and said there were these two cute little puppies hanging out in our backyard. We eventually ended up giving one of the two away; the healthiest of the two. I knew from the very beginning that the tiny, starving and abused one would stay with us and hopefully for a long time. I fell in love with her that first morning. We became best of friends, she immediately chose me as her master and she showed her love and admiration for me and for the rest of the family every single day - the most gentle dog ever. She only wanted to please, that's all. We would take walks together, car rides, beach and bird watching. She was the fastest runner, seeing only a cloud of dust behind her. I would talk to her as I would any other human being. She was my companion. She adored me with those big brown eyes.

Than she started slowing down, sleeping more and limping from her arthritis infected leg. She enjoyed those retirement years very much but missed her running outside-in-the-fields days.

Yesterday, 16 years after that early morning encounter with Dave, we said goodbye and released Miss Tabi into puppy heaven. We know she is running pain free at high speed with her cousin Princess.

Making that appointment was one of the hardest decisions I had to make.

Be well my friend. I enjoyed our time together. I will carry fond memories of you every day. I'm sorry I had to make that decision but I could'nt stand seeing you suffer any longer.

xxox

7 comments:

Alli said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a loyal friend!

I too know the pain of loosing a furry friend! We released Snoopy from his pain and fear at the age of 14. I am an only child and he was my brother. We got him when I was 7 and I remember it like it was yesterday. He is always close to my thoughts even today.

May you continue to enjoy your memories of your time with her and take comfort in knowing she is now pain free.

BIG HUG!

Vickie LeBlanc said...

Thank you so much Alli. Your comment means a lot to me at this point. It is still new (1 day) and the pain is still very much there but we are slowly getting back to a routine tonight. We miss her.

Sherrie said...

Oh, Vickie, I'm so sorry. We had to do the same for a cat we had adopted, and it was heartbreaking.

Vickie LeBlanc said...

Thanks Sherrie. I know it will get better as the days pass.

JoyceAnn said...

So sorry to hear about Miss Tabi , it's hard to have to make that kind of decision. She was well taken care if she lived to be 16 , so Blessed to have found you and Dave. Sending you a warm cyberhug , you made the right decision , be at Peace my Friend.

~ Autumn Blessings ~

Colleen said...

I had to make that difficult decision some years ago when my beloved Misha the cat reached 14 years and was obviously in pain at the end of his life. It isn't easy saying goodbye to those we love.

I send out big love and hugs and kisses to you Vickie.

Vickie LeBlanc said...

Thank you JoyceAnn and Colleen. We are doing a little better since Tuesday. It's still very hard when we get home from work and she's not there waiting for her walk outside.