Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A sad day...





It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Heidi, our beloved german shepherd. We had the great pleasure of being Heidi's family for the past 7 years. I can still remember the excitement and anticipation of the adoption process all those years ago. Heidi was absolutely gorgeous and it was love at first sight for us when we saw her picture on our computer screen. We adopted her from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue out of Northern VA.

Her story brought sadness to all who knew it. For you see, Heidi had been chained to a tree with no shelter, food or water. A utility worker saw her and reported it to the humane society. (If only I could thank that person for saving her.) When she was rescued, she tested positive for heart worms. The tips of her ears were scarred from fly bites. And she was extremely timid. But we loved her and brought her into our home.

Heidi enjoyed life with us to the best of her ability. I can only imagine that she was abused by the dominant male in her household prior to coming to us as she was always timid around Mike. He has the patience of a saint. I think many would have taken her back but Mike loved her and worked with her to show Heidi that she no longer had anything to fear. Heidi loved him the best way she knew how and Mike was always overjoyed to receive a lick on the hand or face.

Although no one knew exactly how old she was, it is our guess that she was 13-14 years old. Last night she failed suddenly and had problems walking, keeping her balance and even drinking water. We knew what needed to be done... Our final gift to Heidi today was letting her go "home." It gives us great joy amidst the tears to know that she is now complete and her sweet spirit is restored, no longer subject to the horrible abuse that she must have endured all those years ago.

So in memory of Heidi, I'm asking that you give your four-legged companions an extra belly rub and an extra helping of sweet whispers in their ears.

13 comments:

  1. Mary - you brought tears to my eyes with Heidi's story - I don't know what's wrong with people. She's was a beautiful dog ! I am so happy you rescued her - You, Mike and Emmeline I know gave her the best life ever! My thoughts are with you all and wishing you all good memories and peace as I know it will be hard! Take care.

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  2. Mary - My heart breaks for you. I can hear your sorrow in your words. It's so hard to lose our faithful companions. My thoughts are with you.

    Teresa

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  3. Mary I am so sorry to read about Heidi. I know how I would feel if it were Eloise. My best to Emmeline and Mike. I hope you can rejoice in the years that you had with her.

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  4. Oh Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. No doubt you gave her the home and love that she never had. Prayers for you all at this time.
    And "thank you" for adopting her. So many animals need to be adopted.

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  5. Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Heidi. You gave her a wonderful life and the gift of knowing when to let her go. I hope you find comfort in all the good memories of the love she gave you and your family.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Mary. Heidi does look like a Dear. Hugs to you all... and I will give our four-legged buddies some extra lovin' today in memory of your beautiful Heidi.

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  7. Mary, I am sorry to hear about Heidi.
    I had a shepherd, they are wonderful dogs.

    Debbie

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  8. Mary sorry to hear about Heidi. I'm glad you were able to take her into your home so she could enjoy these last years with you and your family.

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  9. Mary ~ Heidi was one very lucky girl to have found such love in your home. Thank you for allowing her to go the Rainbow Bridge with dignity.
    I work with pug rescue in Ohio. Thank you for adopting Heidi and loving her for all those years. My heart aches for you, but you had her best interest in mind. Bless you.
    THANK YOU!
    Pug hugs :)
    Lauren

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  10. I am so sorry Mary. What a beautiful dog she was.

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  11. Hi Mary ~ thanks for stopping by my blog ~ your Heidi girl was one lucky doggie and I know you were lucky to have her too!

    Have fun with Jane in your class!

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  12. Sorry to hear about your girl. I had a wonderful German Shepard that touched my life deeply. Bless you for giving her a wonderful life to live.

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  13. I'm sure she loved you both more than you even know!

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