Back in the fall of 2010, the only dog I had was Rocky (click for the link to my post on Rocky) and he was not doing so well and I worried and fussed over him constantly. One day, the neighbor said she had found what seemed to be a lost dog and suggested I come over and meet the dog. So I did. It was Miss Sadie.
She was soaking wet having been found wandering along this remote gravel road in the pouring down rain. But she was beautiful! A gray faced elderly Golden Retriever. I opened the sliding door of the van and she hopped right in, jumped up on the seat and settled right down. So it was decided. She came home to live with us.
It was perfect timing and she was the perfect dog to fill in as our new companion. She was sweet and well mannered and Rocky and Sadie got along as though they were old friends. No guarding the food or jealousy over who got petted first. She helped me to be more relaxed with my old boy Rocky, took my intense focus off of him and just spread it out a bit. We all perked up.
They don't look so perky here, you will just have to take my word for it!
All except for Charlie, my big black cat. But he eventually came around.
Sadie loved to roll around on her back in the grass and the snow. She loved to chase the tennis ball and play with toys and to go swimming.
youtube video showing Sadie at the river
Always such a polite lady, she didn't jump up on people but welcomed their attention and petting. She had a problem with her breathing and panted heavily when she walked around.
Sadie Breathless
It got worse and worse as she got older until eventually she would have incidents of her breath stopping entirely. We thought she had died several times but then she would gasp and come back. The past few months have been rough to watch her dragging around. She had bad arthritis and was slightly paralyzed in her back legs. Maybe because she always liked to lay with her legs behind her.
But she seemed to be one of the happiest of dogs, always greeted me with a smile.
She couldn't go for walks any more but would still play with her tennis ball and follow me all around the house and yard.
She reached the grand old age of 14 back in January this year. It has been a blessing to be her caretaker these past nearly 4 years.
Sadie was a lovely, loving, sweetheart of a big red dog and she will be much missed. You brightened up my life and I thank you for that gift. We won't forget you, Sadie. Say "Hi" to Rocky for me, and all the rest of my gang.
♥♥♥
23 comments:
So sorry, Jan! Such a sweet looking girl! So glad she experienced so much love with you and that she brought you so much joy!
Jan, I am so very sorry. You have had so much sorrow losing your dear dog friends and now another. They were all blessed to have you as their master ~ you showered them with love and companionship. One day you will see them all again. For now, please know you are in my thoughts while your broken heart mends. ♥
I loved Sadie the first time you introduced her to us. Her temperament reminds me of my Junior and how he has found new life since the pups arrived. He is 11 now with a genetic immune system disease.
I like the thought that our dogs will meet up in an after life, playing and being friends again. We miss them but always remember the great joy in knowing them.
xx, Carol
She is so beautiful with that lovely white face! I know you will miss her a ton....sorry you are hurting. You were lucky to find each other!
Big hugs, my friend!
aloha sweet Sadie for taking care of your janperson. what joy you shared with each other. beauty shared is never lost! be well Jan.
Dear Jan,I feel with you. It's so hard to let go, but thinking at the rainbow bridge http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm makes it a lot easier.
Dear Jan, I am so so sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking. You are in my prayers. Big hug from me in Norway!!!
It's always hard to say 'goodbye' but, you both had four years of sheer love and affection. Who could ask for more?
Bless you for taking her in,goodness knows where she may have ended up without your intervention.
Sandie xxx
Feel for you. Having grown up with golden retrievers I know that they are wonder to have around. 14 is a great age.
I'm so sorry to hear about Sadie. She was so lucky to have found you in her elder years. What a sweet girl she looks to have been. My little Sparky will be happy to make her aquaintence at the Rainbow Bridge.
No words Jan...just rejoice in a warm loving heart for all of you now.
She was so sweet and gentle. You were lucky to have shared the last 4 years of her life with her and she couldn't have found a better home.
What a sweet girl. Her beautiful white face is heart-like and it sounds as if she was all heart. I'm so sorry. And thank you for rescuing such a wonderful animal.
Thank you for a lovely portrait
of Sadie with your memories and the
video. Years with a good dog
are what make us better, richer
people. There a few traveling companions who give so much back.
Jan, I'm so very sorry for your loss. It is never an easy time when a lovely lady like Sadie takes her leave. You gave her the wonderful rest of her life. She gave you her love and loyalty. Love perfected by all. I'm sure she is waiting for you with Rocky and will share her lovely tail wags with you again. So, so sorry for your heart. Take care. Oma Linda
She was a big light for you and she will be missed. I so know how you feel....each day is a gift with out companions, even though sometimes we don't think so....now she can roll in the grass all day and not worry about being breathless. Big hugs. xox
I can't stop the tears...it's so sad when we lose one of our babies...but you each gave one another some wonderful years of joy!!! Memories are wonderful!!! My heart goes out to you my friend.
My heart is breaking for you.
I'm crying for your loss, for your wonderful kindness of taking her into your home and giving her happy final years and also because she reminds me so much of my Maddie.
I have no magic words to help with this sorrow.
Take comfort in your memories and knowing that she is with your Rocky and all the others who wait for you.
XOXOXOXO
So sorry you lost Sadie but she was so lucky to have fallen on her feet with you. x
I'm so sorry to hear this. She was a lucky lady, finding you. It sounds like you fit well together and she was a happy gal. So lonely and sad to lose her, I'm sure. I wish I could say something that really would help, but sadly only time will. In time you will be able to remember the good times better than the worrying ones. Focus on those good times!
I am so sorry to hear that Sadie is gone... What a blessing you were to give her a home in her old age... So many people can't think of another dog when they already have one and if someone is getting a new dog they always seem to want a puppy. What a wonderful life ending for Sadie!!!
I stumbled upon your blog and your story about Sadie got me teary eyed.
Just wanted to let you know I stopped by. Your art is also very lovely.
Oh Jan, Sadie had a wonderful life with you...and you with her. Goldens are so special; I know...had them before Henri (goldendoodle). You write beautiful stories of your memories, Jan.
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