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Last Thursday we let go of the sweetest most loving 85 lb Malamute/Husky mix you’d ever meet. Sasha was Kobe’s mate, a subservient lady with a double fluffy coat and one blue eye. In her healthy days, Sasha would stamp her front fluffy paws with excitement and nudge you with her nose for some attention. She wasn’t much of a talker, only “wooing” when needed (like for pizza crust – which made her eyes light up). Sasha was a patient dog, allowing our daughter to routinely trip, fall and step on her as well as dress her up and let little fingers explore her nose, mouth and eyes.
After Kobe passed Sasha took the reins of being the sole doggie in the house for awhile until her hind legs started going out and walking became ultimately too hard to do. Along with the loss of mobility came issues with swallowing, until all Sasha could eat was a bowl of mush. Still, every once in awhile Sasha would sparkle up for pizza crust and let Maia cover her in blankets.
The day that we decided to let Sasha go I fretted on how and what to tell our 22 month old little girl. Should Maia go to the vet with us or should one of us stay with her. We settled on Maia and I saying goodbye at home and going for a walk while Earl took Sasha to the vet. We brushed Sasha and fed her tiny pieces of hot dogs and ground beef then went walking as Earl and Sasha drove past us.
I can only say that what happened next was a true testament to the bonding that we have with our pets. At exactly 12:15 pm Sasha was put to rest. At exactly 12:15 pm Maia was in her chair eating lunch when she suddenly started crying out Sasha’s name and sobbing. I took Maia and held her, trying to explain that Sasha was better now but couldn’t come back to us.
Maia’s bond with Sasha was greater than Earl and I could ever imagine. I worried that Maia would keep looking for Sasha and asking for her but she hasn’t. Last night as I tucked Maia into bed I told her that I love her and Daddy loves her. Maia whispered ”Sasha”? I said, “yes honey Sasha loves you too”.
Goodnight Sweet Sasha, we love you.
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Dearest Leslie, I have tears in my eyes and down my cheeks.
I’m so so sorry for you all.
You are a wonderful writer with an insight of the connections in the world many don’t take time to notice.
(if this doesn’t make sense, call me and I’ll try to explain what I mean).
Bless you my friend.
Leslie. What a powerful, touching story. Know that I’m thinking of you all. They are our dearest companions and it seems the souls of children and critters are closely aligned.
I am not surprised at what happened at 12:15 as your daughter really has such a connection to the world (like you) I am glad you shared this as it gives hope to all of us who have lost someone, especially a furry friend.
She really was one of the sweetest dogs ever! Sorry for your loss.
I’m crying. That is so sweet and sad. Hugs to your adorable daughter (and her parents).
Wonderful memorial for our Roo Roo Flufferton. Very well written indeed!