She was just ten years old. But we had a good ten years. Somehow she "broke" her back, slipping a disk that essentially severed the spinal cord. She had no feeling in, nor use of, her hind legs, no control of her bladder or sphincter. She couldn't even wag her tail. The vet told us it was too late, that she had degenerated too quickly. Surgery was not an option. So we did the only humane thing. It was terribly difficult, but it was the right thing to do. We both said goodbye, and then she went to sleep.
Callie on her tenth birthday, last February.
We miss her. Our lives were so intertwined for the past ten years. We spent most of our time together, so very little time apart, and she was with us, or one of us, almost all her life. She was a good dog.
Now, life must go on. We have a little puppy to care for. This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We have happy memories and they will get us through.
Lovely words for a lovely dog.
ReplyDeleteThree times now we have had to "do the right thing" for our dogs and whilst the dog sinks painlessly into infinite peace and tranquility, that feeling of wanting them back so desperately takes over. It's hard to say which is worse, a sudden demise following a crisis or anguishing for weeks over the inevitable. I hope that having little Tasha around will help to ease the pain as you adjust to life without Callie.
We really are sorry for your loss.
Well said. My ten years with Bondi (98-09) will never leave me, and as I prepare for Munson's exit (sadly his cancer is much in evidence) I know that with Rollo, the inheritance from both dogs is to be cherished.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams Callie.
You do have so many wonderful memories. What a shock this all is. It's just unbelievable. I told Ken that I won't keep saying it, but know that we feel your loss. Hugs to Bert and Tasha. Maybe Bert will get a little more inside time, now ;)
ReplyDeleteJudy
Thank you for sharing Callie with us all these years. She was a joy to follow. My heart is with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you lost Callie. I found your blog earlier this year and enjoyed reading it from beginning to now, when it's a daily pleasure for me. When I lost a dear pet some year ago, my brother said a true thing--that our pets ask so little and give so much. I know you'll miss her a long time.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I'm so, so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry - Callie was such a beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteTen years close with a dog has been a wonderful experience. Remember her well and I am very sorry for you that she has gone.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to lose such a wonderful companion who had become an integral part of your family. Norma and I are deeply sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you both. We will all miss you Callie.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, at such a sad time, that love of Callie stretches far beyond your little corner of mid-France - reflected in so much sadness for your loss all round the world. As I mentioned to Ken yesterday that making a photo montage of Callie's life might be therapeutic (if heart-breaking) for you two but would be wonderful to see at some stage. Very best wishes. Jo in the UK
ReplyDeleteHave a look at Kiplings poem POWER OF THE DOG it will make you cry but it will help.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
John
I can't imagine a better doggie life than Callie's. Such nice walks everyday followed by a rinse off on the rainy ones, a treat ball to play with, yummy food, cosy bed, not too many scary car rides and a peaceful ending that we all wish for.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeez, Walt. What a shock this is to hear! My heart goes out to you. Currently going through a mental struggle with one of my own furry ones so I know a little of what you're feeling, though of course can never know it exactly.
ReplyDeleteDear, dear Callie. We bless your loving memory. Thank you for enriching so many of our lives.
Sweet Callie! I know you will miss her terribly. She gave so much to your lives, but never forget how much you gave to hers. I second John Gray's suggestion to read Kipling's poem. It makes me cry, but it is so true.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. She went quickly and did not suffer a long decline. For you and Ken, though, you didn't have time to see it coming.
ReplyDeleteshe was a great dog. RIP
ReplyDeleteyou and ken did the right thing for callie. but what a void she leaves in your hearts and in the world.
ReplyDeleteYes, sad ending to one chapter and the beginning of a new one. That's a good way to approach it. Callie was such a beauty--I loved her coloring. Unusual for a border collie. We will remember her, as we do Colette, and we look forward to the day we can meet little Tasha. I hope you all find comfort during this difficult period of adjustment. Thanks for the lovely photo and words. Sending love, Ginny
ReplyDeleteLes êtres qui nous sont chers ne disparaissent pas complètement. Ils continuent d'exister dans nos souvenirs, parce qu'ils nous ont transmis quelque chose. C'est vrai pour les humains, mais aussi pour les animaux qui, par exemple, nous montrent comment profiter, chaque jour, de l'instant présent, parce que la vie est un cadeau.
ReplyDeleteI felt like I knew Callie Walt. So sad. You did the right thing, she isn't suffering now. You were with her at the end. You will always have loving memories of her. My thoughts are with you and Ken at this time of your loss Walt.
ReplyDeleteRon
She was a gorgeous dog. My sympathy goes out to you. So heartbreaking to lose a family member.
ReplyDeleteHi Walt, I haven't commented in ages but I've been reading faithfully, and I had to stop lurking to give you my most heartfelt condolences. Callie was so beautiful and I loved seeing her in my blog feed every week. Sending love to you and Ken in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYou did the best you could do for Callie at the end--you let her go.
ReplyDeleteHer memory will be hanging out in the vineyard forever.
Walt, we are devastated about Callie. How do these beautiful earthlings steal our hearts, then leave us so suddenly? There's never enough time.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm still catching up on old news. This one was a shocker. Having had to make the same tough decision after the long and slow declines of our two dogs, I appreciate how hard it is. In retrospect, I think a quick ending is easier on all concerned if not any less sad. In any case, you have Tasha and I imagine you are probably appreciating her now more ever.
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