By Lisa Batten Kunkleman
This week, after losing our floppy-eared hound, Single Stare Sadie, our empty nest became extra quiet. Sadie was the life of the party. She could howl like a master coon dog, chase squirrels in complete glee, and pose royally like the queen of our menagerie.
I’ll speed through this so I won’t mist up. Six months ago, Sadie survived kidney cancer surgery and months of chemo as we watched her progress in utter amazement . She was the perfect, perky patient. At only eight years old, we figured she’d be with us for years to come.
Suddenly last week, she started sleeping more and losing control of body functions. Her ability to walk came and went, sometimes picking her feet up like a Tennessee Walker, not her normal gait. Other times she fell uncontrollably, drunk-like, but remained determined to get back up. She was first treated for pancreatitis and perked up with IV fluids, entertaining people at the animal hospital with her “I feel better” howling. Once home, she ate as normal but went to bed soon after. I checked on her an hour later and, again, she couldn’t lift her head nor walk. I assumed it was a stroke as her body was completly out of control.
After many trips to and from the hospital, the vet said it was most likely a stroke or cancer metastacized into her brain. Sadie passed away in our arms in the most peaceful manner possible before sunrise. In a softly lit room, on a fluffy blanket with folks who love her, she was at last comfortable. At the animal hospital, the “Comfort Room” as it’s called, provided a perfect place for easing all of our pain.
As I said, our nest became quieter. Sadie’s bowl and bed, empty reminders of who was missing. We’d grieved her situation while she was alive and I thought I had nearly used up my tears. I was wrong. Our other two dogs missed Sadie also. Things were different during naptime without her lying against her border collie-Saint bernard sister, Mandy, or outside chasing squirrels with her sheltie brother, Remy.
Our empty nest could have been unbearibly quiet except for our granddog, Tucker, who came for an extended visit the day before. Surprisingly, the timing of Tucker’s visit has been a God-send. He is sweet and goofy and a welcome sight to his best buddy, Charlie, our other granddog who came for a visit on our first night without Sadie. The busy little puppy who used to chew up everything in his path, has matured and is now content to snuggle, chase his blue ball, and chew his bones instead of the furniture.
Sadie can never be replaced, no matter how many dogs we love. She was a one and only. I must admit, having Tucker around keeps me busy and helps dull the sadness with his smiles and energy. He got to say goodbye to his pal, Sadie, who was one terrific friend. I’m so grateful for the time we got with our sweet girl and miss her dearly. I’d better go now. Tucker brought me his ball.
October 27, 2018 at 10:13 pm
So sorry for your loss, Lisa. Sadie sounds like a sweetheart–thanks for sharing her with us. Hope the empty space is filled with happy memories.
October 28, 2018 at 3:13 am
Thanks Donna. She was a sweetheart for sure. Oh so many delightful memories.
October 27, 2018 at 10:19 pm
Its very sad to say goodbye to a fur baby, and her absence will be a forever hole. Hold on to those memories and your other furbabies.
October 28, 2018 at 3:12 am
Absolutely. They are so precious.
October 27, 2018 at 11:54 pm
I’m so terribly sorry. My thoughts are with you and yours.
October 28, 2018 at 3:11 am
Thanks so much. We appreciate that.
October 28, 2018 at 12:29 am
I have been there. With our 17 year old Westie, my daughter’s childhood pet, it was a tumor on her spine which suddenly gave her those kinds of symptoms. My husband said she died before the vet even started the injection. My love and peace to your family.
October 28, 2018 at 3:10 am
Thanks so much for sharing. It’s never easy deciding the time has come. This condition gave us no choice. We couldn’t let her suffer. No doubt and the doctors were so wonderful. They all lived Sadie, too. She had been their miracle dog.
October 28, 2018 at 10:53 am
I’m so sorry to hear this, Lisa. You certainly gave Sadie a good life.
October 28, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Thanks Jill. And we got one from her as well.
October 28, 2018 at 2:23 pm
<3
October 28, 2018 at 2:42 pm
It’s so very hard to say goodbye to our fur babies. I’m so sad for you.
October 28, 2018 at 2:47 pm
Thanks so much Nan. It surely is.
October 29, 2018 at 2:53 am
I’d like to extend my condolences. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet.
October 29, 2018 at 3:59 am
Thank you Sheryl. I appreciate that. You’re right. It is not easy. I guess that’s what is meant by “love hurts.”
November 4, 2018 at 7:47 am
Oh so very sorry. Heartfelt condolences. So hard to lose a soul we love so very much! My heart goes out to you…
Peta
November 4, 2018 at 11:31 am
Thanks so much. She was a sweet girl.
February 15, 2019 at 10:12 pm
My belated condolences. Each animal we lose reminds us of how there is not and never will be one just like them. I lost two cats to most likely cancer/a tumor in the brain; it’s heartbreaking to watch – you feel so helpless. Sadie was one lucky girl to have you all as her family.
February 16, 2019 at 12:26 am
Ahh I’m
Sorry about your cats. It is never easy. Brain tumors do leave you feeling completely helpless. Thanks for the kindness. Sadie was so easy to love.