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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsRemembering Snowy: April 2006-June 15, 2020
I didnt think I would have to make this decision about Snowy.
In July 2017 she had surgery to remove bladder stones at the same time I had a knee replacement. We recovered together. Fortunately I didnt have to wear a collar to keep me from licking my knee wound and she didnt have to use a walker to get around. But, while she was connected to the heart monitor during the surgery, it became apparent that she had a heart arrhythmia that the vet said would make her susceptible to sudden death. Be prepared, she said, because the research shows that most dogs who are diagnosed with this particular arrhythmia dont survive past six months. That was the prognosis three years ago next month.
Snowy beat the odds, but in the end, old age and probable congestive heart failure was making each day more challenging for her to eat, to breathe, to get up and down and not lose her balance. In this time of coronavirus and social distancing at the vet, I couldnt bring myself to take her there. So a vet who makes house calls came this afternoon and Snowy went to sleep one last time in my study, with classical music on the stereo and the balcony door open so she could smell the summer rain.
I dont believe in heaven, but I sure hope there is a Rainbow Bridge. We had a reminder yesterday afternoon.
Snowy came to live with us in December 2009. Shed had a tough start: rescued out of a high kill shelter in Georgia by a South Carolina group which primarily rescues German Shepherds. But, she wasnt. As far as we know, she was part Golden Retriever and part American Eskimo. Thats what I told everyone who asked. She was a beautiful dog. Id hoped to train her as a therapy dog, but she didnt have the personality. Indifferent to most people, she loved playing with other dogs. And the cats! She wanted Simba to be her best friend and eventually he would come and lie down beside her to sunbathe together.
The rescue group warned me that Snowy liked to play hide and seek. I had no idea what they meant until we discovered that if she got out without a leash, she was off and running. She always came back. But shed look at me when I was calling her as if to say, Chill, mom. Ill be back in 20. And she always was.
At the beach, walking in the morning, Snowy was my photographers assistant. She loved early morning beach walks but did not want to get her paws wet. We watchedand shotmany a beautiful sunrise together at the beach.
Last October we went to the beach, for what I was pretty sure would be her last time, because she was having so much difficulty getting up and down the steps to the beach house and from the deck to the beach. One hind leg was weak, and it would collapse. So we went up the steps with me behind her to prevent her from tumbling down when her leg would give out.
For the last two years weve lived in a high rise apartment building. Snowy continued to love her walksgreeting other dog residents wed pass in the halls or while we waited for the elevator--and finally came to serve as somewhat of a therapy dog. We couldnt go out that someone wouldnt ask to pet her, or tell me what a pretty dog she was. Snowy generated lots of smiles from lots of people as we walked the streets shaded by big oaks in downtown Raleigh. Young and old. Black and white. Men, women, children. So many people responded to her with joy for a few moments while we passed each other on the city streets. And it made me happy to see her bringing happiness to others. Well done, my beautiful little white wolf. Mommy is going to miss you so much.
Now, no more fences, decks or leashes. Run free, my Snow girl. Run free.
blm
(113,100 posts)tblue37
(65,490 posts)nclib
(1,013 posts)Maraya1969
(22,505 posts)RIP Snowey.
Solly Mack
(90,787 posts)I enjoyed seeing Snowy in photos. She was a beautiful dog.
Kali
(55,025 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,869 posts)It's hitting me especially hard today because right now I'm waiting for a call from a vet to help me decide whether to send my 17-year-old cat, the best cat in the world, over the rainbow bridge too. It's really hard, isn't it?
My condolences.
mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)we both went through this yesterday.
I told the vet I'd had to make the decision 3 times in the last 12 years: for Simba, his brother, Mouse, and our previous dog, Tanya. Never easy, but so much less complicated than with this decision for Snowy.
She never complained that she couldn't stand up to eat because she couldn't breathe and eat at the same time, or that she was panting just to follow me from room to room in the apartment or that she struggled to stand up because her back legs had so little strength. She just did what she could and continued to be my shadow.
Hugs to you, too, as we mourn our fur kids together.
2naSalit
(86,802 posts)My heart hurts for you in this time.
mokawanis
(4,452 posts)I've been in your situation and I know how much it hurts. Hold on to those funny moments and happy memories.
Niagara
(7,675 posts)I read your post and started to cry. I loved Snowy's photos that you posted. She always looked an angel in her photos and now she will forever be an angel. I'm thinking of you and sending you strength.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,719 posts)She was such a big part of your life!
I know how much you will miss her--already do, I'm sure. Hell, I miss her.
Your beautiful post brought tears to my eyes.
No more fences, or walls, or pain......She's running free.
ploppy
(2,162 posts)for a wonderful soul. My sympathy to you.
elleng
(131,139 posts)MuseRider
(34,125 posts)What a lovely tribute
I always say that that darned Rainbow Bridge had better be real. I don't care much for the rest of the stories we tell ourselves but that bridge....
Be easy on yourself for a while. You gave her the best going away and it is always so hard but I bet she appreciated it and was content to just go to sleep.
mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)is a great story. I could hardly believe it when that gorgeous rainbow appeared Sunday afternoon. I had made the decision Thursday and booked the appointment for Monday afternoon. Of course, I wavered all weekend. But when that rainbow appeared, it seemed like a sign. And I will never see another one and not be reminded of Snowy.
dhill926
(16,364 posts)been there multiple times...it ain't easy...
yankeepants
(1,979 posts)MontanaMama
(23,337 posts)Run free Snowy...beautiful girl.
Skittles
(153,193 posts)what a lovely testimonial
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
twas Heaven here with you.
Isla Paschal Richardson
cate94
(2,813 posts)waterwatcher123
(144 posts)Mira
(22,380 posts)having to give up the beauty and joy of a companion who knows everything, and loves you no matter what, and who never talks back and who leaves a big hole in your life.
Part of your heart will always belong with Snowy.
I was so happy to get to meet her and spend some time. She was a gorgeous and wonderful dog.
My sorrow is with you.
Fla Dem
(23,765 posts)The hardest thing about loving an animal is having to say goodbye. I'm so happy for you and Snowy you were able to say your goodbye and let her move on, in the familiar surroundings of the home she knew for 11 years. RIP Snowy.
sinkingfeeling
(51,474 posts)my beloved Eskies and invited to run with them....a field of snow.
mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)in our hearts.
MissB
(15,812 posts)Sounds like snowy really was the best dog ever.
Amy-Strange
(854 posts)-
I'm sorry for your loss, but thank you for this very moving tribute to Snowy.
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mnhtnbb
(31,405 posts)It gave me something to do over the weekend while waiting for Monday to come, to work on writing a tribute to her and looking through my photo archives.
I count myself fortunate, indeed, to be able to say goodbye to Snowy in the way it was done. I cannot imagine how awful it has been for the thousands of families who haven't been able to say goodbye in person to their loved ones dying alone in hospitals with only gowned and gloved and masked nurses and doctors to console them.
peacebuzzard
(5,183 posts)I am so sorry for your great loss.
I grieve with you, friend.
littlemissmartypants
(22,819 posts)She looks so beautiful. Your tribute is too, as beautiful as it is sad. I hope you can find some comfort in the memories you shared. God bless you and Snowy. ❤ lmsp
jalan48
(13,888 posts)lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)and you obviously have the fondest of memories. Rest in peace, Snowy. Say hello to Coco and Sally for me when you get on the other side of that bridge.