Sunday, February 25, 2018

Saying Goodbye To Sophie

I have posted many times about our Sophie, Little Nazi and a few other names that we won’t mention.
Ten years ago a co-worker called and asked if we could find a home for his late mother’s companion dog. She had been passed from family member to family member and the next stop would be the local dog shelter. She was a five year old wired haired dachshund and very stubborn. When he brought her over MeMa took one look at the poor confused dog and said “Leave her here, this will be her forever home.”
She had one flaw and that was a hatred for cats. Unfortunately we had Max. Max considered himself the official greater to all the rescues that came into our home. MeMa had the situation under control, she filled a soda can with pea gravel enough to make a lot of noise. Max was sitting in the kitchen enjoying a spot of sunshine completely unaware of impending doom. Sophie caught sight of Max and started a stealth attack. Just as she came in for the plunge MeMa tossed the can directly behind Sophie. The can bounced creating a horrific noise sending a frightened Sophie into a panicked but unscathed run for cover. Max leaped straight up in the air. When we retrieved the can, both cat and dog returned. Max sat in his sunshine again as if nothing happened and Sophie came up and licked him in the face as if they had known each other all along. From that point on there was no need for intervention and they often shared the same spot for sleeping.  



Every summer evening she joined us on the front porch for cocktails and to keep an eye on her neighborhood. 
At age fifteen, with arthritis and completely deaf she spent most of her time sleeping in one of her many pillow baskets




She was now the lone animal in this big old house as all others had gone over the Rainbow Bridge. But she still had our grandchildren who often spend the night. She would silently join in with the excitement of a “sleepover at MeMa and Poppi’s house.”

Lucy was her favorite and loved the extra attention Lucy would lavish on her.

MeMa holding Sophie on her last trip to the beach. 


Alas, their lives are so much shorter than ours. We take care of their needs and in return for this we are blessed with unmeasurable love and devotion.


15 comments:

  1. Not the first of your dogs I've said "Goodbye, farewell" to. Goodbye, Sophie.

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    1. We usually have one or two more to help soften the loss, but since we both retired we have decided for the first time in 43 years not to fill that gap. We have been asked take on several more but have declined. Time to do some traveling and there is always next year.

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  2. It is always sad when one loses a pet. I liked the story of the tin can with the stones. We still keep Sophie (Labrador) and Kim, the cat apart as Sophie is very protective of her food, perhaps we should try the can of stones.

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    1. Food issues are kind of a difficult thing, you definitely should try it but as you well know Labs are creatures all to themselves.

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  3. A perfect tribute to a treasured family member. I'm sorry for your loss of a beautiful spirit and treasured family member who has returned to the person who loved her first. I know she is missed, but I know you're finding comfort in your memories of your beloved Sophie, and I know you will see her again - And what a day that will be!

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    1. We do have so many memories of so many wonderful dogs as I’m sure you do as well.

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  4. My heart is broken Doc. It is the reason I won't be getting any more dogs after my weenie girls go. My heart simply cannot break any more. I've had dogs my entire life, but therein lies the problem. My life revolves around them and I can't go anywhere. I love dogs too much. May your hearts heal soon.

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    1. Donna, we are kindred spirits. As many dogs that we have had the loss never gets easier. We have devoted our lives to animal rescue but for the first time we are taking a selfish break. We both are retired now and want to see more of the world and not be tied down to a house full of animals. We have a hard time trusting somebody else to give the same amount of devotion and care to our pets.

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  5. Rest In Peace Miss Sophie. Lucky you had such a good forever home.

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    1. Thank you, I hope we gave her the best of the best.

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  6. Very sorry to hear this Doc. I think I can honestly say that I've grieved more over dogs, than I ever have over humans. I'm just another dog lover. Best wishes to you and MeMa. x

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  7. Thank you Cro, they are marvelous creatures. I could never understand anyone abusing an animal that lives to love us as dogs do.

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  8. Condolences to you all, Doc. God bless.

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