Lady
October 5, 2008—July 15, 2018
Lady came to us on my birthday, November 22, 2008. It was then I officially started working in my home office, to be close to our new puppy.
For the next six years Lady was my constant companion. When I worked in my home office you could typically find her sleeping just a few feet from my office chair.
Her leg issues became apparent early on. Unstable, she didn’t have stamina or strength to do things other dogs do—such as take long walks, chase balls or rabbits, jump up on a bed, or get into a car unassisted. Of all those things I think the only one that bothered her was being unable to jump up on the bed.
In spite of her disabilities she was the perfect traveler, typically sleeping for most of the drive. It didn’t take her long to master the ramp for the RV and truck, and she also enjoyed cruising on our pontoon boat.
What made Lady happy was being with me and my husband. She wanted to be where ever we were. If we went outside to sit by the firepit and forgot to invite her, she would come to the door and let us know in no uncertain terms that she wanted to come outside with us.
Instead of jumping up on us she would nudge us with her body or give us gentle little Aussie nibbles. She rarely barked—and never at someone coming to our door—but she loved to talk. It’s one of the many things I will miss about her.
About four years ago my husband Don, who is in real estate, started working from home after recuperating from surgery. For a while we shared the home office, but when my mother-in-law passed away a few months later I started working in the cottage in the back of our property—where she had lived.
Don continued to work from home and Lady stayed with him. She became his constant companion as she had been mine. I admit I was somewhat jealous and missed having her with me while I wrote. But she preferred being in the main house.
For most of Lady’s life she has been plagued with health issues. In May she came down with what the vet believes was vestibule disease. It got progressively worse, and last week she was unable to stand unaided. We took her to the vet on July 13th, and they ran some tests. But on July 14th she stopped eating and drinking water.
The next day Don and I had to make the heart wrenching decision to let Lady go humanely. I stayed by her side and held her as she was released from her pain. This has devastated my husband and me.
I believe Lady was a special dog. She was different from any dog I have ever known—and I have known many special dogs. When Lady looked at me it was as if she was trying to convey her thoughts to me. My heart aches just looking at her picture.
She will be dearly missed. I wish I had more than 9 ½ years with her. But I feel blessed that I had her in my life at all.
sorry for your loss. we too had to take that route with our dog
It is a painful route for sure. Thank you for your kind words. So sorry for your fur baby.
God bless your beautiful Lady! I am so sorry you had to say goodbye.
From a fellow animal lover and a new reader/fan.
Thank you for your kind words.
I lost my Morrigan to vestibular disease 3 years ago. I had to make the same decision you did, keep her with me out of a selfish desire not to say goodbye or let her go without pain knowing she was loved. I miss my Puddin Pie every day but believe she is with her brothers and sisters waiting for us all to be together again. If you haven’t seen it already look for a dog’s last will and testament online it will, make you cry but it’s beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Tammy, Thank you for your kind words. This has hit my husband and I particularly hard. We really were not ready to let her go, but it was for the best. I will look up the site you suggested. Thank you.