pets : i heart faces {fresno clovis photographer}
June 28, 2010
The category at I Heart Faces this week has a strange twist of irony for me. We have the sweetest dog I have ever known, and I have known many dogs. She has 3 legs — she has been that way since she was a little puppy, running after our chocolate lab and swimming like she didn’t know any differently. She has never so much as snipped at anyone, including our 3 children as they tugged on her and played in her food when they were babies. My husband and I have been talking about our 14 year old yellow lab for a few months now, wondering how much longer she would make it, wondering if she is completely miserable… We had another conversation the other day, and I behaved as usual — as he talked of the tumors she has around her stomach and how dementia seems to be setting in, I kept changing the subject – acted like if I didn’t talk about it, we wouldn’t have to. Unfortunately, I knew the reality of the situation, and today my husband let me know that the appointment was made. In the past, we have been a family with 3 dogs… by the end of the week we will be a family with no dogs. I don’t even know what that is like. So I took photos of Gretchen tonight, realizing I don’t even have that many pictures of her, and how much I want to remember her sweet face. Gretchie, you are an amazingly strong sweetheart and have given us so much love. Thank you, pretty girl. We will not be the same without you.
“God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.” — Billy Graham
9 Comments
what a difficult decision you’ve had to make. thinking of you.
awww sweet baby RIP<3
This is the part that worries me about my dog. I adore him but I know that there will be a time that he won’t be with us anymore
Such a sweet dog you have there.
Aw Tangie, I know your pain. They are such a part of our families. The pics will be a great memory.
*Hugs* What a beautiful picture.
(PS…I love the verse you have at the top of your blog and the Billy Graham quote. Blessings to you.)
I am so sorry for what is about to happen. I hope you enjoy these next few days with her and cherish every minute.
OK… you made me cry! For a couple reasons. First, we have a 10 1/2 yrold Lab and he has arthritis and I wonder if he hurts and how much longer he will be with us. and the other reason is that my neighbors dog died 2 nights ago. He had a heat stroke and we tried to help revive him, but couldn’t. Man, I feel for you! It’s a great photo of her though!
so sorry Tangie. I remember all too vividly the same experience with my dog.
tears and hugs. hope things go smooth with the kiddos. 
Your picture and story touched my heart. Such a sad thing but truly a final act of love for your sweet dog.