Throughout the course of my childhood, Small animals occupied and temporarily filled the void of having a pet dog. My love for animals began as a child. My mother, not a huge admirer of the responsibility attached to having an animal, frequently dismissed my request for a dog for many years. It seemed as if I had just finally raised the white flag as my parents decided to finally cave and give me the dog I had wished my entire childhood for. I was thirteen years old as my Aunt, mother and I stood among a crowded room of people swarming around North Shore Animal League employees handling assorted breeds of nine week old puppies. As I impatiently awaited my turn to hold a restless, hyper Beagle puppy, my attention diverted to the opposite corner of the room as my eyes met with a more docile Akita/German Shepherd mix cradled in the arms of a young volunteer. She had sad hazelish brown eyes, sandy colored fur, and a mane which framed her shepherd like face. Into my arms she slipped, and in an instant I knew that she was the furry friend I had forever longed to have.
After what seemed like hours of paper work, together we rode back to Sadie's new home in the back seat of my mother's grand Cherokee. She was the cutest thing I had ever seen, and I couldn't wait for the moment to introduce her to my sister, father and friends. Together we grew, as I transitioned from young adolescent to a college bound teen. Together we'd exercise, taking long walks, and running beside me as I'd rollerblade throughout my old neighborhood. She'd sit next to me and would listen as I'd compose my first compositions and would practice my music. She'd be the first to greet me in the morning with a melodic howl, would await for me to return home by the glass door, and would wiggle and dance upon my entry. Sadie became a part of the family, and was one family member whom which I was most sad to leave as I embarked on my journey to college and young adulthood.
As time continued to pass, as my new life began away from home, and as I was busy at school, Sadie more or less fell into the hands of my mother and father. Days after my college graduation I moved to Rochester and was faced with the decision as to whether or not I wanted to take Sadie along with me. With Sadie having had been older, it seemed unfair to take her out of her familiar setting to have to re-adjust to a new environment, depriving her of the many luxuries she had back in Long Island. Originally purchased for me, she slowly transitioned into the family dog, and then again eventually into my father's spoiled companion.
Today I write, heartbroken by the decision to lay Sadie to rest. Slowly, in her old age she began to deteriorate, despite her undying desire to eat Mcdonnald's happy meals, table scraps, and to mischievously steal balls off of the Christmas tree. Tumors engulfed her body, cataracts clouded her eyes, and with a limp she'd walk as her strength weakened and as Arthritis attacked her joints. Knowing what was right for her, and knowing that her time were nearing its expiration doesn't make it any easier to accept and swallow the sadness strung along with the truth.
Fourteen years of a life well fed and well loved, from both human and canine perspective. Thank you for the smiles, memories and love you gave us. Miss you already Ol' girl.
After what seemed like hours of paper work, together we rode back to Sadie's new home in the back seat of my mother's grand Cherokee. She was the cutest thing I had ever seen, and I couldn't wait for the moment to introduce her to my sister, father and friends. Together we grew, as I transitioned from young adolescent to a college bound teen. Together we'd exercise, taking long walks, and running beside me as I'd rollerblade throughout my old neighborhood. She'd sit next to me and would listen as I'd compose my first compositions and would practice my music. She'd be the first to greet me in the morning with a melodic howl, would await for me to return home by the glass door, and would wiggle and dance upon my entry. Sadie became a part of the family, and was one family member whom which I was most sad to leave as I embarked on my journey to college and young adulthood.
As time continued to pass, as my new life began away from home, and as I was busy at school, Sadie more or less fell into the hands of my mother and father. Days after my college graduation I moved to Rochester and was faced with the decision as to whether or not I wanted to take Sadie along with me. With Sadie having had been older, it seemed unfair to take her out of her familiar setting to have to re-adjust to a new environment, depriving her of the many luxuries she had back in Long Island. Originally purchased for me, she slowly transitioned into the family dog, and then again eventually into my father's spoiled companion.
Today I write, heartbroken by the decision to lay Sadie to rest. Slowly, in her old age she began to deteriorate, despite her undying desire to eat Mcdonnald's happy meals, table scraps, and to mischievously steal balls off of the Christmas tree. Tumors engulfed her body, cataracts clouded her eyes, and with a limp she'd walk as her strength weakened and as Arthritis attacked her joints. Knowing what was right for her, and knowing that her time were nearing its expiration doesn't make it any easier to accept and swallow the sadness strung along with the truth.
Fourteen years of a life well fed and well loved, from both human and canine perspective. Thank you for the smiles, memories and love you gave us. Miss you already Ol' girl.
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