Saturday, September 4, 2010

Katie


Our sweet Katie passed away quietly & unexpectedly here at home yesterday. What a shock. My husband noticed her acting strange while he was out getting the smoker ready to cook dinner. I went out to see for myself and it was obvious something was very wrong. My husband stayed with her while I went in to call the vet and as I was on the phone with the vet he came in to tell me he thought it was too late - and sure enough .... she was already gone. It happened so fast. So quietly.

It was almost like she had waited to have her whole family together one last time. Spokes had spent the night before with us and we enjoyed a nice family night together. It was the first time we'd all been together in a while. And just before Katie passed away Spokes left to go back to his house & Playmaker had left for soccer. Strike had just gotten home from school and my husband had taken the day off work so he was home too. I'm so glad he was here.



Poor Malakai. Katie was like a mother to him. I'm not sure how much he understands. I didn't let him see her after she passed but I wonder now if I should have. When I finally did let him out into the backyard again he went right to where she had been and sniffed and sniffed and looked around as if looking for her & now that she's been gone overnight ...I think he knows.

She was a good dog. A loyal friend. Our kids basically grew up with her as their nanny. She taught them so much - especially about responsibility and she was protective of them. I certainly felt an extra measure of security when she was around. That reminds me, I should probably leave a note for our mail carriers so they know that they no longer need to approach our mailbox with fear & trembling! I think they eventually figured out that her bark was bigger than her bite - but she could be intimidating that way. Edit: She wasn't  mean - just intimidating/protective & that's one of the things I loved & will miss most about her. Every now & then a mail carrier or pkg delivery person, etc. would spook/startle her & yikes!... my heart would go out to them :)

This has been tough on all of us but especially hard on the kids. As for me.... well, her health had been slowly declining for a long time and God knew I did not want to have to put her down . I dreaded it. I did not want to have to make that decision. So - in all honesty, I was actually relieved & thankful that it happened the way it did. Quietly. Quite peacefully and suddenly.

Today it's just strange. Different without her here. We're all used to having to step over her to get in and out. Her spot where she'd lay in front of the door to keep an eye on things inside and out is empty. She made for herself a special spot in all of our hearts tho' & we'll keep her close there.

9 comments:

Bunny Wilson said...

I am so sorry. This is just heartbreaking. I'm praying for you and the family and for Malakai, too.

David Wilson said...

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the family.

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

I'm so sorry to hear that... and like you, so happy it was natural. It's just like a good dog to make it easier for you, always thinking of your best interest. Truly (wo)man's best friend.

That was a beautiful tribute. Full of grief and joy. Emptiness and fullness. Life and the passing from life... certainly into the best dog fields heaven can offer.

The 4 Bushel Farmgal said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your true family friend, but relieved that it was dignified.
You've composed a touching tribute. Katie sounds like a wonderful dog. She deserves to rest peacefully.

warriormom said...

So very sorry to hear.

GlassMelts said...

I am so sorry to hear about Katie. It's so hard to lose a furry baby. I am glad it happened at home and quite quickly. Those decisions are not easy when you have to make them. I'm thinking of you guys.

MYstory of HIStory said...

Bunny & David - if anyone can relate here - it's you! I know when Henley passed he left a void every bit as big as he was (& that's BIG/GIANT!)in your lives.

Lupine - yes- so true about her making it easier on us this way. Hard to explain - but so true.

Hi Farmgal - She was a WONDERFUL dog. You got that right :)

Warrior Mom - Thanks much. So glad to have this blogger connection w/ you!

& Glassmelts - yah ... I'm so grateful it didn't come down to having to make that decision.

Thanks all - for your thoughts and prayers. Each one means a lot. Just comforting to know that others care.

dswenor said...

What a peaceful way for her to go and what sweet memories you will have. Our thoughts are with you all.

Susan said...

Oh I am sorry Joyce. I know you all will feel the loss of a beloved pet/friend. I pray the sting goes away quickly.