Sunday, December 11, 2011

My darling Sadie

If you are reading this post, thank you for sticking with me. Except for a brief period when my blog disappeared (!) the past two months have been devoted to caring for my dog Sadie and my struggle to cope with her death due to cancer. I cannot tell you how profoundly her death has affected me.


I really love this picture of Sadie



Sadie died in my arms on November 4 and though we were in a hospital setting it was not sterile. By that I mean we were surrounded by what I call “Friends of Sadie,” the techs, doctors, receptionists and groomer, those that have known her for the past eleven years. There were many tears shed besides my own as each told me what a wonderful dog she was and shared their stories of Sadie. The groomer told me how she loved taking a bath. Funny, I told her, Sadie was always difficult when I tried to give her a bath which is why I decided to leave it to the professionals!


Sadie and I on one of our many walks together



I decided to have Sadie cremated and she is back with me. There is a little Christmas mouse that sits on the beautiful cedar box that holds Sadie’s cremains. I thought I might share some of my own funny and endearing stories about Sadie but what I will remember most is how I always enjoyed listening to her softly snoring as she slept. To me that little snore meant that Sadie felt snug and safe in the world we shared. Talk about peace on earth.

Get ready here it comes....



The most beautiful smile ever!



How I miss her, I cannot begin to tell you. The cat, Sadie’s incorrigible sibling of sorts, is still with me of course. I think he realizes she is no longer with us but has moved on. They used to have tremendous fun chasing each other around the backyard and how he loved to torment Sadie by pouncing and walking all over her whenever he had the chance.

Just because he can - Sadie and the gato




I have always said that I prefer to live life on the sunny side but it’s been a little difficult of late. I am sure though one day without even realizing it the sun will be a little brighter, the sky a little bluer and when I remember Sadie I will smile broadly.


The lovely Sadie


My darling girl.


17 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear about Sadie, Bonnie. She looked such a happy and loyal dog and your heart must be broken. You couldn't have given her a better or more loved life. My thoughts and love are with you. x

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  2. Oh, Bonnie! When I saw this post on the dashboard, my heart sank! I am so sorry! I know this has been so difficult for you. And I know there is a hole in your heart with your sweet Sadie gone. She was much loved and gave back much love...a wonderful life for anyone. I am sending you a big hug. Wish I could do more, sweet friend...hugs...Debbie

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  3. I am so very sorry for you, Bonnie! All my love to you. This is a wonderful post - and I think Sadie was a lucky girl to spent her life with some one who loved her as much as you do.

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  4. I felt that something was wrong since you hadn't posted for so long and I've missed you. I'm so very sad to hear about your precious Sadie. How wonderful, though, for you and Sadie to be surrounded by those who loved her when she passed away. That had to be a great comfort to all of you. We've had to say goodbye to two beloved dalmatians. I like to think of them romping around at The Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. As time has passed, I do think of them with a smile and I find myself talking about them to Oliver and comparing their antics to his.

    Take care and enjoy your sweet memories of a well-loved Sadie.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  6. Dear Bonnie
    I am so very sorry to hear of Sadie's passing.. She was a very lucky one to have you in her life to love and take care of her. I know your heart is hurting and I wish there was something I could say to take the hurt away.. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers dear friend.
    Blessings,
    Penny

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  7. Sorry to hear about little Sadie. Yes, it's never easy to say goodbye, but you know it and Sadie knows it...you made the right decision...and she will live in your heart forever~

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  8. Oh my dear Bonnie, I'm so, so sorry to hear about the passing of beautiful Sadie. She looked a treasure and had a dear, dear friendly face. I really feel for you ... there must be a special place for dogs that have passed on. They are like people and oh my the snoring sounded adorable! Molti abbraccio e baci. Desiree xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

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  9. I am so so sorry to hear about poor Sadie :( Words can't help much but know I am thinking of you at this sad time!

    Sending big big hugs

    CC xXx

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  10. O,darling Bonnie.I'm devasted by such events,and can't even begin to express my feelings for you.....much love,my sweet.I don't think we ever get over losing our wonderful pets,we just sort of get used to it.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  11. Amorcito,
    Oh Bonnie,Te acompaƱo en tu dolor. mil abrazos.
    She was a happy doggy and well loved by you and travieso gatio.Sadie sure knew how to smile adorably.
    Besitos

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  12. Oh, she was a heartbreaker! Awww...You're so wonderful to have loved her so much, Bonnie. All of our love and prayers go to you.

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  13. Oh Bonnie, I'm so sorry to hear about your darling girl Sadie :-( I'm sure it's been tough, but hang in there.

    Just quickly stopping by to say Merry Christmas! I also want to say that even though I don't leave comments as often, you have been one of my fave all time bloggers to visit and so glad to have met you. Enjoy your New Year and how lucky are we to have this gorgeous San Diego weather!
    -Marie

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  14. DEAR BONNIE,

    I was out all day yesterday and came home rather late, unable to respond as quickly as I usually like to. I am truly sorry for this loss; it is hard enough to loose a family member but to loose a friend, a friend that has been by your side at all times and gives nothing but full attention. I have to admit, this is one of the reasons I don't have a dog; yep, I am a coward. When the inevitable comes, I just don't know how I would take it. To see an animal suffer...I don't know, it just hurts because they can't tell you anything. But maybe I am completely wrong. They do tell us much, we just have to know how to LISTEN and WATCH...and I bet you know exactly how to do that. Oh Bonnie, it has been a long time since we have corresponded. I have a new email, but I am leery now of leaving it exposed, for my blog was hacked last week RIGHT after I left my email address exposed on a blog. But you know where to find me, and please dear old friend, come by more often. I know it is hard; I have not been able to keep up with everyone, and I try to visit those who come by and leave comments. School is good, busy, but thank God I have a job. I wish you PEACE and calm and GOOD MEMORIES for this holiday season....life is hard, but the life and death lessons, I am SURE OF IT, are there for us to embrace. LOVE AND GOODNESS TO YOU BONNIE DEAREST! Anita

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  15. Dearest Bonnie. It was so good to hear from you and so encouraged by your kind words about my poem on Heavenly Minded & Earthly Good. You were one of our very first and dearest blogger friends. I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Sadie (actually, I remember Anita mentioning it to me recently). She will always be part of you, but I know you miss her. I hope my dear friend that Anita and I can meet you one day.
    With love and prayers,
    Ruben

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  16. Bonnie,
    I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Sadie. She sounds like she is the most beloved dog to you. The pictures are beautiful of her. I am thinking about you this Christmas Eve, and I am sending love your way, my friend.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  17. Good morning Bonnie my sweet,

    Wish YOU a quiet and special Christmas today. Peace and love to you, and though the miles and TIME has separated us, let us remember that the fun and love can continue. Blessings to you dearest and thank you for coming by. Anita

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