This ones a hard one to write. My dad and sister had to take one of my childhood dogs, Sadie, to the vet to be put down last night. She hasn’t been in the best health lately, due to old age, and really went down hill Wednesday night. My dad called me and told me she wasn’t doing well and that he thought she might pass away soon. He was kind of hoping she would go on her own, but when that didn’t happen he called the vet’s office yesterday morning to schedule an appointment to have her put to sleep.
If you’re keeping count, that’s the second dog that we’ve lost this year. Sadie was 14 years old, which is pretty old for an Australian Shepherd (they usually live an average of 10-12 years). We got her on Christmas day in 1999, when I was eleven. I remember rushing through Christmas morning so that we could pile into the car and drive to the farm to pick her up. She was this tiny little rolley-polley fur ball and she cried the entire drive home.
She was such a fun puppy, though. She was very playful with me and my sister and loved to run fast and play fetch, and was very sweet and affectionate.
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| At Virginia Beach, 2011 |
She had a strong mothering instinct and essentially helped raise my sister and me. My little sister actually slept on the kitchen floor with her on her last night, reversing the mothering role.
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| Wednesday night |
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| Sadie and Simon, 2009 |
Turkey Runner 
Oh Meagan, I am so, so sorry. I am tearing up for you. Believe me, this is the absolute worst part of having a dog. But it looks like she had a good, long life. That picture of your sister and Sadie kills me, as I had to do the same with Lemon just a few months ago 😦
Thanks, Amy. I know you went through it recently, too. It is definitely the hardest part of having a dog- having to say goodbye.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Meagan! She sounds like a wonderful dog and provided you with many, many happy memories. My childhood dog is 11 years old and he is definitely slowing down. I am treasuring all the time I get with him nowadays.
Thanks, Becky. Savor every moment. They don’t get nearly enough time on Earth.
Yes, all dogs go to heaven. I love this quote by Robert Louis Stevenson: You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. Dogs give us so much and ask nothing in return. We never have enough time with them, but we can be thankful for all of the wonderful memories and unconditional love they gave us. Thinking of you and sending big hugs your way.
That’s a great quote. Thanks, Nicole.
I almost had a heart attack when I saw your post title on your comment on my blog because I thought it was Hank or Scout! I don’t mean that I’m glad that it’s your childhood dog, but at least Sadie had a long and amazing life. That being said, it still really sucks to lose them. Big hugs to you!!
Oh no! I’m sorry I scared you. Hank and Scout are fine and well, it was our pretty Sadie we had to say goodbye to. I understand what you meant.
Meagan, I am so sorry to hear this. I’m happy that Sadie gave you and your family many years of happiness, and in return, she was provided a loving and happy home with two girls to adore her. BTW, how is your dad doing?
Thanks, Deb. We have a lot of wonderful memories with her to cherish. My dad is doing alright- understandably upset about Sadie.
Meagan, I am so sorry! I wish I could reach right through the computer to give you a hug. The picture of your sister sleeping with Sadie on the kitchen floor brings tears to my eyes. My thoughts will be with you and the rest of your family as you cope with this loss ~ She’s been a part of your family for what must seem like forever.
Thanks, Stephanie. It was so sad to see my sister sleeping on the floor with her, but I’m glad she was there to do so.
Oh Meagan! So sorry to read this. As is well established, I’m not much of a dog person – but do remember how hard this was with our “childhood” dogs, as well. And that photo of your sister and Sadie made me tear up. You know any platitudes I would say (It will get easier, She’s in a better place, blah, blah, blah) – so for now, I’m just sending you a big, fat virtual hug.