Our Cheapeake Bay Retriever Puppy in the Meat Section
Taking up the bed
Road trips to Mammoth
Out in the Arizona dessert shooting
The beach...her ears would perk up at the word
My baby girl
Our last day together
Last visit to the beach
So...forewarning...I'm writing this over 3 glasses of wine with tears in my eyes but it's a blog and it's supposed to be about life so this is what is going on here. I am devastated by the loss of my baby doggy Abby. She was my shadow and my spooning partner, up until Jackson she dominated most of our bed to Justin's disliking. I have never until today changed a diaper without her following me back to the room and laying at my feet, taken a shower, or opened a can of tuna fish (or the fridge) without Abby right there. I miss her. I missed her when Jackson and I woke up this morning and went to play in the living room because she always got up with me. I heard people outside today and there was no barking. I stayed late at Costco and thought I should head home because Abby would miss me but then I realized she wouldn't be there. Jackson even dropped all his snacks on the ground from his highchair and looked for Abby to eat them up but I had to pick them up. The house feels so empty.
Abby had an enlarged heart and had heart failure on her birthday (4/11) but with medication (I gave her 3 pills twice a day) she held on until this Wednesday. I took her to the vet and she told us Abby was going into heart failure again and it was probably her time as heart failure is like drowning--you just can't get a breath. Although I heard it, I couldn't believe it. Abby has held me and Justin together, she rides everywhere in the car with me, and she keeps me company and makes me feel safe every night Justin is at work.
On Abby's last night we ate grilled cheese but cooked Abby a steak. In the morning Natalie came over so we could have one last day at the beach swimming with Abby. She used to be so fearless and jump over the waves as they would flip her feet over and she'd surf in with the surfers. People would stand and watch her. This time she tried...but she was so slow. We took her to the vet, and I held her in my lap (as she always thought she was a lap dog--even though she was 80 lbs.), and we put her to sleep. I held her for probably 10 minutes after she was gone. I only hope that I get to see my angel princess again.
If anyone has put a pet down, now I know your pain, and for all of you other animal lovers hold your pets tight today because Abby was only 6 and although I am the lucky one to have had her in my life, it was too soon. Rest in peace my baby girl
I am up late making baby shower favors for a girlfriend and thought I'd check blogs before I went to bed. I am in TEARS. I have two dogs and they are our lives, of course along with our daughter Parker. I do the same routines with them as you did with Abby and I can't imagine them not being around. My heart goes out to you. Beautiful post and tribute to her Tara. R.I.P. Miss Abby
ReplyDeleteTara, that was such a perfect tribute to her, I'm bawling. You did what was right for her and although it was the hardest thing, you know Abby thanks you for looking out for her. Like DeLane, I also know what's its like to go through your routines with 4 (or 8) little feet clipping at your heels. Be strong and know you will see her again! LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeletePS, Her footprints in the sand is such a perfect picture :)
Oh Tara, my heart breaks for you guys! I too am a dog lover and have a dog that's as loyal as Abby was to you. You definitely did the best thing for her and what a special last day you all had together! Cherish that! I'm with Stacie...the footprints in the sand is a great picture!
ReplyDeleteAhh Tara, what a beautiful post. My heart hurts for you as I can't imagine what that would feel like. I am so so sorry that you had to go through that, but know that Abby had the best life a dog could have. As I'm commenting, Kenai is at my feet - the loyalty of a dog is something we can always cherish.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. We lost our chocolate lab in the spring (walking to the mailbox) and it just tears me apart reading this! Pets are such amazing parts of our life and this is such a perfect post to remember her by. There is a book called "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant that my mom got us after Sienna died, you should pick it up. Its a kids book and the first time I read it to Addy & Eden they were both staring at me as I cried hysterically. The first page says "When dogs go to heaven, they dont need wings because God knows that dogs love running best".
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. We had to put down our family dog last year and it was heartbreaking. I am sure Abby lived a happy full life with you guys. She was very lucky to have you as a mommy. Love you guys.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought me to tears, Tara Belle. I'm so sorry you've lost your precious Abby- I can't even begin to think how devastating it will be when our Tar passes. She was a very lucky girl to have such a caring mom, and I'm sure she has gone to doggy heaven in peace with many, many happy memories. My thoughts are with you. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here with tears running down my face while I read this...what a perfect tribute to Abby. I'm glad you were able to have such a nice day with her at the end. I am so sorry you had to lose her way too early, it's just not fair :( Losing a pet is so incredibly difficult... I'm thinking of you friend & hope you start to feel better soon. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that Abby has left you...she'll definitely be there in spirit when you change Jackson's diapers and when you open the fridge. I've never had a dog, but we feel the same way about our cat. As hard as it will be for a while, please remember all of the wonderful experiences that you had with your darling pup. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Justin and Jackson. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is aching for you. What a sweet girlers. xo.
ReplyDeleteOh Tara...I am with all the girls. I honestly can't stop crying. In fact, anytime I think of you and your sweet Abby I get so emotional. It's obvious that Abby truly was your first baby...she was so lucky to have such a loving mama and dad throughout her entire life. The pics are so special and I love that Jackson will get to look back on his first doggie who loved him so much someday. Sending so many hugs your way...and I can't believe how much Lambeau and Abby looked alike as puppies! I know they would have been best buddies. :) xoxox
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry to read this Tara. You have written a beautiful tribute to your sweet Abby. Pets are a part of the family and losing them is losing a part of that family...a part of you. I am sending you a big hug and wishing you peace in all the wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteOh Tara, you have brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to Abby. I can only imagine the pain you are going through and this post was so beautiful. I am sure Abby is up in dog heaven swimming and barking in no pain. Sending you lots of loves and hugs during this tough time. XOXO
ReplyDeleteTara, I'm so sorry about Abby. She was such a beautiful dog. I know how much our dog means to us and cannot imagine what you are going through. Hugs...
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