I'm glad Jaz had the opportunity to meet Tallulah, as she seemed to perk up around her. She couldn't wrestle with her without her legs giving out on her, but she sought the puppy out, and the most pleasurable moments she's had in the past months have seemed to revolve around the pup. Tallulah showed Jaz true gentleness and deference... which is something she hasn't shown much of in other contexts.

Izzy will probably lose weight now. Jazmyn reinforced her benevolent form of pack leadership with Izzy every night at dinner time. Izzy would wolf down her meal and politely sit about ten feet away, while Jaz brought mouthfuls of food to Izzy, who'd lick her muzzle in thanks and then scarf it up, sit politely, and hope for more. These two had a special bond that was fun to watch.

I miss the healthy, vigorous greyhound I used to know. Jaz was always a bit of an enigma to me: she was painfully shy, obstinate, and not much of a cuddler. But she opened up considerably in our care.

I never had to worry about her jumping up on or biting anyone. She was ridiculously patient with children... even when she had good reason not to have been. Whenever anyone touched her fur, they always commented on its softness. People with strong dog phobias and aversions were easily and immediately won over by her gentle nature. While Izzy usually outwears her welcome in the first five minutes by showing too much exuberance, I always knew that every social gathering would include finding at least one guest in a corner with Jazmyn, showering her with treats and praise. More often than not, these were self identified "cat people." Jazmyn always especially succeeded where Izzy didn't with people on the Autism spectrum.

When she was healthy, she was the fastest dog at the dog park, and she was clownish and playful with dogs and people alike. Her decline in health has been particularly horrible, as it included complete exercise intolerance and her rear legs becoming increasingly contorted and useless.

I feel at peace about the whole thing, but it's going to take me a little while to process it. Thanks for listening.

Your thread is a lovely tribute.

My heart hurts and is very sad for you, Steve, Izzy, Kotie and Tullie.

Peace be with you. You are all in my thoughts today.

Much love,
Robin

Here's an odd aspect of the experience: Remember years ago when I was applying for that job and sent a cheesecake to the office after my first interview, and didn't get that job, but they invented a position for me and hired me anyway, and that's still where I work, and I ended up really liking the person they DID hire for the position I wanted and work well with him and wouldn't change the outcome? (How's THAT for a sentence!) Well my employer built a new building across the street from our original location and moved into it about four years ago, and earlier this month my vet moved into our old office space. The euthanasia room is the office I would have had had I gotten the job I now realize I didn't want. Strange.

My precious little Sarah passed over this summer.
I can see she and Jazmyn all snuggled up, Sarah grooming Jazmyn, as they talk about 'the good ole days' and those wacko humans they had as parents.

Love you.

You sound just like a really cool redhead blonde I know from Southern Alabama! Actually, hearing you talk about Sarah grooming, and seeing your moniker make me certain.

I'm very sorry to hear that you and C lost your Sarah. I remember you posting pictures of them sharing popsicles and describing how she was indispensable in helping him gain control over his emotions. That was a gift that he'll have for the rest of his life.

Your description of Sarah and Jaz curled up with Sarah grooming her makes me laugh. Jaz was terrified of new things, so it'd take her a while to get comfortable around a monkey... But Sarah was a special girl, anything is possible. You've given me a lovely mental image. And yes, they both had complete wackos for parents!

Check in with details if you're in a place in your life where it's appropriate. Just be present if not.

I miss you,

Love,
Michelle

PS Gardenunion, did you really just spam me? Really?

:)

This is me waving at you creativeangel! Over here in Tennessee. Hope all is well with you and yours. Hugs!

I can only join the group in trying to make it a little better for you. You are not alone.
I am so very sorry.
Kathy

We lost our shepherd a few months back and though it was her time too it's still hard.