I’m sorry guys, but it’s just too tough to post this morning. My lovely dog Sage, who has laid at my feet while I have blogged for the past several years, passed away yesterday at the age of 13. We’ve been together since she was two months old, and I’m feeling just a little lost.
Sage was something special. She was obedient, intelligent and beautiful. She was an Australian Shepherd with a strong herding instinct. My children were her sheep and she dedicated her life to watching over them. She was a Mama’s girl though, and when the kids were gone, she was my shadow.
She will be missed.
Sage
January 13, 1996 – July 7, 2009
I am so sorry. The loss of a beloved dog is truly heartbreaking.
truly sorry twist. i’ve had 2 shepherds in my life and they are THE BEST dogs on earth. our first watched over us kids like we were her pups. but the best thing about her was that we took her in from an abusive owner (male) and my mom was a single mom in the city raisng three kids…..anytime a grown male got anywhere near our house “jenny” would run them off quick!!! wasn’t great for our poor mailman….and it was tough when my mom did start dating again…lol….but nothing kept us safer than that dog!!
God Bless you and your family TWIST!!
I know so well how dogs become like your most trusted friend over the years, just an adored and beloved member of the family, nothing less…mine is laying at my feet as I type…
May Sage be in a better place, and may time eventually ease the pain of this loss!!
We are all thinking of you today!
Jan
AZSaluki-
When Sage was about six months old she drove us crazy with her poor behavior, and I’m embarrassed to say, she was mostly banished to the backyard. One day however, my two-year old daughter slipped out back- and we had an inground pool. Sage kept her herded against the backdoor until we found her.
Needless to say, that behavior guaranteed her place in our home for life, but we didn’t know how to manage her. In desperation I took her to an obedience class.
I discovered that the behavior problems were the result of my being a poor handler- the problems weren’t with the puppy. We went on later to advanced classes and I was encouraged to show her in obedience classes- she showed such promise. She would have been great- but I never could seem to start off on the right foot. We just had to settle for having an amazingly well behaved dog. : )
I can’t tell you how much better I felt when the kids headed off to the park and took her along, or I made a late night run to pick someone up at the airport. I’ve often said that I don’t know how anyone manages to raise children without at Aussie in the house!
Jan-
Thank you for the kind words. It is our hope that she’s racing around madly on a cloud somewhere- something that her arthritis hasn’t let her do in awhile.
We miss her terribly, but it’s a relief to know she’s not hurting any more.
I heard from my current 14 year old poodle, “Sugar”, who knows such things, that Sage is now running the endless hills with the good hearted pack that includes my departed Shelby, Gabe, Butch and Puppy. May her peace temper your sadness.
My sympathies to you and your family twist. Pets are good for the soul, and although they take a part of us when they pass on, they leave an imprint on our lives. She too was lucky to have you as a famiy.
Trust Pumpkin Feathers will give Sage a run for her money
It’s tough losing a pet like that, but things do get better eventually, especially with support from friends, as you so recently gave to us. Here’s hoping Sage’s memory lives on in all the happy stories from her long life.
My condolences. My dog is nine. she is wonderful and a great companion. I will be a wreak when leaves. Be strong, memories live forever.
We’re sorry for your loss, twist. Phil, Iryna, Emily and Zach
Thank God for the 13 wonderful years. I’m sure she’ll be sorely missed. Sorry for your loss…Cally and Freemonster
Thanks everyone for all of your kind words. Sage could always sense when things were wrong, and she’d put her head in my lap and commiserate with me. I’m sure she’d be glad I have friends to help when she’s not here- she always put me first.
Sage always laid where I’d be looking at her when I looked up from my computer. It was tough yesterday not seeing her in her usual spot- I kept thinking I could hear her rolling over and making herself comfortable. Today I’m thinking that maybe she’s still there. I’m sure she’s as close as celestial law allows her to get. : )