'Ol Girl

It's no secret that we love our dogs.  Our 'Ol Girl, KV has been getting on in age, and aging not so gracefully. 

I know I've talked about before, "How will I know?"  And people always say, "She'll tell you." 

Let me say to those people, it doesn't work that way.  Dogs are voiceless.  They can't "tell you". 
Sure they can act different, and their mannerisms can change, they hint at it, but they don't "tell you". 
They can't "tell you" anything.  Not with clear intentions anyways.
So when it comes to that time, it's all on you. 
And it's the most excruciating decision I will ever make. 

KV was only in our lives for a short time, really, only 2 years.  She was an old lady living in the shelter.  She just needed a place to live out the rest of her days with some dignity, and to be loved.  And did we ever love her! 

She is the sweetest girl, the best friend, and the perfect addition at the perfect time. 

When she first came, we read that Sheltie's do not like to have thier faces touched, to be careful as they will sometimes nip or snap if hands are on or near their face.  Not our girl, her favorite thing was to have her long nose stroked and her eyes rubbed.  She would fall asleep if you rubbed her 'eyebrows' just right. 

Pure Sweetness wrapped in tumors and fur. 

Not going to spend a lot of time on this as it breaks my heart all over again every time I talk about it. 

Friday, April 20, 2012 was KV's last day with us.

I do have to say a special THANK YOU to my love, Deron.  He took care of everything so all I had to do was be with her.  To give her special treats, play ball one last time, and hold her beautiful face until she lay peacefully in the arms of God.   

We brought her home and laid her to rest, near the same fence she paced 'barking' at passing cars, squirrels, and tossed softballs.  Addie made it nice for her. 

There is a beautiful RED plant yet to be found that will be perfect, we'll know it when we see it, just like KV. 


The Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....