I recently changed the "cover" of my Dogabout photo album from the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, which I'd been using since the creation of the album, to my sweet Sara. Certainly you remember her. I mean, how you can forget this face:
Her mom, Maria — who became one of my favorite people in this city from the moment I met her toward the end of August — sent me the following email two days ago (shared here with her permission):
My dearest Jodi,
Thank you for making my angel a cover star. She is also now a star in the sky....Sara died Wednesday, Sept. 28th, at 10:25am. She had septic shock and it was irreversible. We brought her to the ER in a coma, very low pressure, unresponsive. My dying angel in my arms and my son's arms.
We brought her home together from Northshore Animal league on March 21st, 1990, at 12 weeks of age, and we sent her back home to God's kingdom, after 16 years of pure love and joy. Lots of grief...I will be informing the entire neighborhood with cards giving details of her passing and one of her great photos.
The source of infection was unknown...but had been in the process for 7-10 days prior to her death. Meeting you was God's plan. How intuitive of you to see her soulful face. She probably was sick even then. I had noted a change in her speed and in her bowel movements over the past 3 weeks. She went to a doggie birthday party Tuesday nite at 8:00pm. Eight hours later, she was in a coma.
My son said the party was "her" party, a "Celebration of Life" party and her last opportunity to say goodby to all the neighborhood dogs. This woman hardly even knew us. But she walked up to us on last Friday nite and said.."I love your dog, always have. Please come to my dog's birthday party.' And she handed me an invitation.
We have cried so much over her..we stayed home yesterday and did things to be with her spirit. We set up a shrine; a Sara album; flowers; candles; we kept her toys at the shrine and her collar. Every minute I think of her. Our lives are very empty. She was my little girl, and the little sister my son always wanted. Call me..we'll have coffee. Blessings.....
Tomorrow I am attending the annual Blessing of the Animals, where, even though I am not religious in the least, I plan to "bless" the sweet soul of Sara, along with that of every other animal on the planet.
Here are two more pictures of the girl who made my day every time I saw her — and even those I didn't:
Sara would have been 16 on 5 November. Maria and I had planned to celebrate all three of our Scorpio birthdays on that date. If she's up for it then, we still will.
So long, Sara. I miss you already.
I've opened comments for this entry. Maria reads my site faithfully, so if you want to say something to her, please, I encourage you to do so.
The original entries where I posted these photos can be found here and here.
fresh-baked at 12:11 PM
Sorry to hear about your beautiful baby.
Offered by: John in Denver on October 6, 2005 8:04 PMMaria,
Losing a pet is never easy, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tell Sara to ask for Spud, he'll show her around.
((hugs))
Offered by: Donna on October 4, 2005 9:21 PMDear Sara's family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss of your gorgeous girl. There is no other words really, only that my heart breaks for you.
Cas
Offered by: cas on October 3, 2005 9:46 PMMaria - Sara is surely running around in Pet Heaven... chasing my Mr.Tubbs (cat) and havin' all kinds of doggie fun. God bless you and heal your heart. -- I have smiled at your Sara's picture many times!
Offered by: deb on October 3, 2005 7:39 PMMaria,
Jay's already told you that we just went through the same thing a couple of months ago with my own 16-year-old dog. I was devastated, so I know what you're going through.
I'm *SO* not a religious person, but after Zoe died someone sent me this story, and it helped. I hope it does the same for you.
Rainbow Bridge
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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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....
Author unknown...
Offered by: Scott on October 3, 2005 12:18 PMBless your heart. We also lost our 16 year-old dog this year, so we share your loss and pain. I know, from what Jodi has said about you, that you have plenty of love to share with another animal friend. Keep your chin up, and enjoy the happy memories.
All the best,
Jay
My deepest sympathies. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Offered by: Hanuman on October 3, 2005 11:49 AMNever does someone who comes into our lives so profoundly pass without leaving us with an aching void.
After the tears dry and the ache subsides we realize that while our loved one is gone, they left behind many of the best feelings in the form of memories of them.
Cherish your memories as you did her: Her pain is over and she is at peace. All she would ever want is peace for you too as only our most precious loved ones ever would.
Offered by: Thomas on October 3, 2005 11:47 AMOh, that just rips my heart out. I'm so sorry, Maria. I believe that you'll see her again one day. She seemed to be a very happy and loved family member.
Offered by: jamied on October 2, 2005 11:29 PMWhen a beloved pet dies, the heavens gain another star. My condolences, Maria.
Offered by: Vendela on October 2, 2005 9:12 PMMaria, I`m sorry for the loss of your beautiful dog Sara. May you have many Wonderful and loving memories of her. I am sure Sara loved you as much as you loved her.
Offered by: Donna on October 2, 2005 1:18 AMWhat a beautiful girl she was and isn't it wonderful that her life brought so much joy to others? That's the measure of a meaningful life, and I'm sorry to see this special being leave the planet but so happy that she graced it for a little while. Good thoughts your way...
I'm so sorry to hear about Sara. Animals bring pure, positive joy into our lives in abundance and ask for almost nothing in return except a scratch, a snuggle, and a bite of something yummy. The unconditional love that my pets have brought into my life has made me a better person.
People who have opened their hearts to an animal know the joy of living with a source of joy, and the pain of losing a furry angel when they leave. I'm so sorry for Maria's family's loss. I'm going to snuggle extra long with my furry angel tonight and send a beam of that love right to your hearts. Bless you.
Offered by: Charlene on October 1, 2005 10:55 PMHugs to your and yours...... Our family lost Taffy Sue (beautiful cocker spaniel) three years ago. Our dogs (pets) are FAMILY!!
Offered by: Deanna Sanford on October 1, 2005 9:41 PMI'm so, so sorry for your loss, Maria. I remember seeing the pictures of your sweet Sara drinking coffee and thinking how d-mn cute she looked. What a beautiful, beautiful girl.
God Bless Sara.
XOXO
Offered by: Elissa on October 1, 2005 8:07 PMMaria,words are empty and cannot convey the fact that we share your pain. Only one who truly loves their canine companion can have an appreciation of your loss. Each day I am blessed by the laughter and companionship that my three dogs provide and I have never forgotten the dogs that shared my life before them.
The sense of loss will never leave you (nor should it), but the day will come when you will think of your beautiful Sara with a gentle smile and remember how much joy she brought into your life.
I hope that day comes quickly for you.
Craig
Offered by: Craig on October 1, 2005 1:38 PMI can't even think about my dog dying. Maria, I am so so sorry for your loss. What you wrote about Sara is beautiful. And so is she!
Offered by: Lolly on October 1, 2005 1:11 PMI know how hard it is to lose a beloved dog. When I was in the third grade, my parents brought home a little puppy they had found on the side of the road. Oh he was the greatest companion a kid could have! He saw me through elementary school, through middle school, and then through my first year of high school. Tragically, he was hit by a car about six years ago. I loved that dog so much, and I've not had a dog since him.
I wish you the best, Maria.
Offered by: Zack on October 1, 2005 1:00 PM
