The story of my Sophie

[Zo zo's mom]

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb171/lizboo_2007/?action=view&current=44468878.pbw

It has been 6 months since I lost Sophie and putting together this slideshow was painful for me. Those of you who know me know how much I love Zo zo, so you can imagine how I felt about Sophie.

We got Sophie quite by accident. Her previous owner was my mother-in-law's cousin, who was dying of cancer. She told my MIL that she was ready to go, but worried about her little dog because her hubby didn't want to keep her when his wife passed (or the larger "outside" dog either). After her funeral, my MIL went to retrieve Sophie and discovered that the bigger dog had already been destroyed.

Sophie came into my in-laws house weeks before I did. When I first moved here, we lived with my in-laws for months because I wasn't allowed to work (immigration stuff) and we were paying for my immigration and a wedding. Sophie used to walk around the house, whining and I think looking for her owner. I felt lost too (away from my home, family and friends) and began talking to Sophie, playing with her, taking her for rides in the car. I had never had a small dog in my life, but this one had my heart. When we moved out, I thought I could never ask for someone else's dog, but couldn't bear to leave her. When my hubby asked my MIL, she said that Sophie was my dog, not hers.

For 12 years, Sophie was the third member of our small family. She was a lhasa poodle mix who had the most expressive eyes and she was so dedicated to us. She was smart and silly and wonderful and we miss her so much. On June 29 (the worst day of my life) we had Sophie put down because she was in congestive heart faliure. It was 3 days short of her 15th birthday.

Sophie was my first friend in Canada. I loved her so much and I know I will miss her the rest of my life. But for her, Zoe would not be my dog, so I am forever grateful to her for that.

[Morkie4]

I can certainly understand your feelings and pain at the lost of Sophie.:( :( :( I think there is always a chunk of your heart that seems missing when you lose "your best friend" as they have so appropriately been discribed. I felt as though my world was closing in and a deep sadness stayed with me for the longest time..........I was truly lost when I had to "let go" of my dear Kelsey. I cried as I read your story knowing what you must have been feeling and the pain that you still feel. I thought about my Kelsey. She also had congestive heart failure and also a collapsed trachea. With all the skin kids gone, she was with me 24/7 and such a sweet, loving little girl. She will never be forgotten and will always be remembered in a bitter(losing her)/Sweet(loving her with all my hear) way!

I think you for sharing your story about Sophie with the forum. It was a beautiful slideshow showing off her life with you and Marco!

[Zo zo's mom]

Thank you Carol.

Sophie had been have seizures for a couple of weeks leading up to her death. Marco would go home everyday at lunch and email me photos and tell me she was fine. The night before we put her down, I thought she was going to let go then. I stayed up all night with her and got her in the next morning and Marco had told me recently that he thought we would get some medication and she would be fine, but I knew we were going to lose her. It was so sad when the vet said we could send her to a vet hospital 6 hours away and they could keep her in an oxygen tent and drain her lungs..but I asked why would we prolong her pain. Keeping her alive with strangers when she could barely see anyway would be cruel. This was around 7:30 in the morning and Marco wanted some time to say goodbye, so we made the appointment to bring her back at 2:00 and that was the longest day of my life. I was torn between doing what was right for her and knowing I would not see her again (until later of course).

Marco had always tried to kiss Sophie on the nose and even on her last day, as sick as she was and struggling to breathe, shw wouldn't let him. So when they gave her back to me, he opened the blanket and kissed her nose over and over. When we got Zoe, he started very early giving her kisses on the nose.:wink5:

[Morkie4]

I had Kelsey on three different types of meds for almost two months and it seemed like it didn't help her not even a little. She was at stage 5(final stage according to my vet) of the congestive heart failure condition and so the meds were limited on what they would do for her. So we made the decision to "let go." I think when you can make that decision, setting aside your own pain, sadness and heartbreak, it makes you a very loving and responsible owner. I think it sad when people hold on to their pets because they cannot deal with the loss and the pet suffers beyond what we would want for ourselves if we were ill.

[Zo zo's mom]

I had Kelsey on three different types of meds for almost two months and it seemed like it didn't help her not even a little. She was at stage 5(final stage according to my vet) of the congestive heart failure condition and so the meds were limited on what they would do for her. So we made the decision to "let go." I think when you can make that decision, setting aside your own pain, sadness and heartbreak, it makes you a very loving and responsible owner. I think it sad when people hold on to their pets because they cannot deal with the loss and the pet suffers beyond what we would want for ourselves if we were ill.

I agree. You have to do what is best for your pet, not what is best for you.

It is hard and I so understand people going to all the legnths they can...I would have done anything if they could have reversed her heart failure. But they could only treat her symptoms until she let go.

I think it was harder for us too because we had to make the decision to put her down. Signing the papers and being there in the room when they administered the injection were so difficult.

[MaxJack'sMom]

Thanks for sharing Sophie's story. She was so sweet looking. You can tell that she was loved. It is always hard to deal with doing what is right for them when all you want to do is have them stay with forever.
I'd like to think that all our departed, loved pets are well and happy playing at the rainbow bridge and are 'talking' about their human loved ones who still grieve for them every day.

[Zo zo's mom]

Thanks for sharing Sophie's story. She was so sweet looking. You can tell that she was loved. It is always hard to deal with doing what is right for them when all you want to do is have them stay with forever.
I'd like to think that all our departed, loved pets are well and happy playing at the rainbow bridge and are 'talking' about their human loved ones who still grieve for them every day.

AWW:crying: Thanks so Much. That was such a sweet thing to say (that you could tell she was loved because she was) and made me feel so good.:hearter:

[mia's mom]

Wow Elizabeth I missed this thread. Your Sophie was beautiful. I'm so glad she brought that unconditional love into your life.

[Zo zo's mom]

Wow Elizabeth I missed this thread. Your Sophie was beautiful. I'm so glad she brought that unconditional love into your life.

Thanks Maggie. Sophie was a very special dog and I was lucky to have her. I still miss her so much (and think I always will).

I think what you learn from an experience like this is first of all to appreciate the love of the people and fluffs in your life while you can (as you well know :hearter: ) and you also learn to empathize when someone else loses a beloved pet. You can truly say, I know how you feel. We all handle things differently, but most for most of us (at least here anyway), our dogs are family.

[Zo zo's mom]

Sophie left us two years ago today. I still miss her so much and I think about her every day, but I am not in that raw, awful place I was two years ago today. I miss being able to pick her up and love her and cuddle with her and I miss her personality. I am so grateful for all the wonderful years I had with her.:crying:

A lot has happened since she left us. She opened my eyes to the world of little dogs and how special they can be. And as a result, I have my girls.

Rest in peace my sweet angel.

[LittleDogLVR]

Elizabeth

I know how hard it must be for you, I certainly understand.
Its one of the hardest things we must go though.

Time eases pain, I am coming up on my 2nd as well on Saturday.
I still get teary eyed , just today .....Megan has Mandy's collar on her shelf.

I quickly went down and grabbed Lizzie and Codie and gave them a big hug !

Just think Happy thoughts !!!

Im sure Sophie is looking down from the Bridge seeing you are happy again with your 2 little white Angels !

John

[Zanadu'sMom]

I am so sorry , E. My heart goes out to you. :(
She will always be alive in your memories and heart.
My deepest condolences, my friend :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[Zo zo's mom]

Thanks John and A:hearter:

I feel better now that I got it out and cried.

[Zanadu'sMom]

Thanks John and A:hearter:

I feel better now that I got it out and cried.

aww E, don't cry..:(
Please be ok, I don't want to think your crying.
She will always always be with you, I promise you will see her again, not soon , but one day..... :hearter::hearter::hearter:

[Eklectic]

Thank you for sharing your story! You brought me back a few years when I had to let go of 3 of my babies within one and a half year!
I cried with you and for you for having had to go through this.
She was loved and stayed true to herself to the last minute!

[Sassy's Mommy]

Sophies memories will always be in your heart and the happiness that Sophie gave you is so heart felt in your story. Please know that we are thinking of you in this sad time.

[Morkie4]

I know this is a tuff thing to have to go through with losing one fluff that is just sooo very special to us for their loyalty, qualities and unique ways. Try to think of not just how happy she made you and the joys she brought you but think about how wonderful you made her life, how happy she was being your loyal companion. She would never look at you with disappointment but with one of "thanks for letting her be owned by you." I am sure if she could talk, she would be thanking you for all the wonderful years you gave her. Think positive throughts through Sophie's eyes. She will always be in your heart. (((( HUGS)))):hearter:

[bek74]

E, I know and feel your pain and I am crying here with you. I just don't know what to say because I feel so much pain still from my Sammy Maree.

I send you my love and thoughts xooxoxoxoxoxox

[Zo zo's mom]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

Today is a better day. The anniversary of her passing is always hard. I am trying to celebrate her life rather than mourn my loss, but some days are harder than others.

[Vylula]

I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like she lived a very long happy life.

[BellaRose]

Oh Elizabeth... I'm so very sorry for you but yet so happy that Sophie was such a big part of your life and that fate brought the two of you together when you both needed someone. Thank you for sharing your story... Sophie will always be with you!

[Zo zo's mom]

Thanks Lisa and Leigh Ann


I saw that my link no longer works, so I am attaching some of my favorite Soph pics. She was such a cutie.

[Zanadu'sMom]

Thanks Lisa and Leigh Ann


I saw that my link no longer works, so I am attaching some of my favorite Soph pics. She was such a cutie.

She was beautiful, E! :hearter::hearter:
What a precious little angel..:hug::hug:

[Zo zo's mom]

She was beautiful, E! :hearter::hearter:
What a precious little angel..:hug::hug:

AWW Thanks Andrea...I love that fourth picture. That is a Christmas decoration that goes on a doorknob and I love how the bow lined up with her head. The look on her face is like "Really? Is this really necessary?" After I took the picture, she tried to get up and walk away, but she kept tripping on the grinch.:lol2:

The one where she is in my mom's kitchen is framed and on our bed side table.

[jdy]

sophie :hearter::hearter:beautiful girl!!! RIP sweet angel. thank you for sharing your story and her pictures!!!

[Zo zo's mom]

Four years ago, we lost our baby girl and I still miss her so much. Not a day goes by I don't think of her and thank God for every single day she was in our lives. She made my life better and I will love her forever.

RIP my sweet angel.

[JiJi's Mom]

Oh my, I just finish reading Sophie's story.

She was beautiful :hearter:

So sorry for your lost even if it was a few years back. XOXO

[MaxJack'sMom]

It can be 4 years, 4 months, 4 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours.....it doesn't erase the pain of loss. But the wonderful memories help ease the pain and make the memory of her all the more special.

[angeleyes]

I totally agree and understand how you felt about Sophie as I lost my Abby (our Miniature Schnauzer) 2 1/2 years ago. She lost alot of weight and the vet and I had hoped it was diabetis but the test came back and they showed she was in total kidney failure. He said we could wait a couple of days to put her down but he said any longer and she would have bad seizuers. For those next 2 days Denny and I took turns holding her and rocking her and just talking to her and telling her how much we loved her and would miss her but we would see her again and she would take a piece of our hearts with her that had always been hers since she was 8 weeks old. When she died she was 12 years old. She would look at me with those big eyes and I could almost see her saying, "mommy, you have to let me go home now.":cry2: The days we took her to the vet was the worst day of my life also. I would'nt put her on the table, I held her the entire time in my blanket that she and I shared for naps and just cuddling. Our vet was so good, they let us stay as long as we wanted to. We were there for over an hour and Denny finally had to make me leave. The vet made a plaster print of her little paw for us. I refused to get out of the car at home cause she wasn't in the window watching for us. I don't think I have ever cried so hard even when my mom passed away. I had lost my baby girl:( I still have Abby's ashes and I made a memory box with her collar and picture and a poem. I put her ashes in the other side) I still sleep with our blanket and I miss her so much every day but Abby told me to get another puppy to love like she had been loved. A week or so later we found Belle and now Sammy. We love them both so much but Abby will always have that piece of our hearts until we meet again. Time and happy memories help to heal the pain but they don't stop the tears of love and loss.

[Zo zo's mom]

It can be 4 years, 4 months, 4 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours.....it doesn't erase the pain of loss. But the wonderful memories help ease the pain and make the memory of her all the more special.

Amen and well said. Losing Soph was absolutely the worst day of my life (which has had some pretty bad days). The day we lost her, I wondered if the pain was worth getting another dog and Marco said "Would you trade all the years of love you had with her for not feeling what we feel today?" and the answer was a big NO.

I totally agree and understand how you felt about Sophie as I lost my Abby (our Miniature Schnauzer) 2 1/2 years ago. She lost alot of weight and the vet and I had hoped it was diabetis but the test came back and they showed she was in total kidney failure. He said we could wait a couple of days to put her down but he said any longer and she would have bad seizuers. For those next 2 days Denny and I took turns holding her and rocking her and just talking to her and telling her how much we loved her and would miss her but we would see her again and she would take a piece of our hearts with her that had always been hers since she was 8 weeks old. When she died she was 12 years old. She would look at me with those big eyes and I could almost see her saying, "mommy, you have to let me go home now.":cry2: The days we took her to the vet was the worst day of my life also. I would'nt put her on the table, I held her the entire time in my blanket that she and I shared for naps and just cuddling. Our vet was so good, they let us stay as long as we wanted to. We were there for over an hour and Denny finally had to make me leave. The vet made a plaster print of her little paw for us. I refused to get out of the car at home cause she wasn't in the window watching for us. I don't think I have ever cried so hard even when my mom passed away. I had lost my baby girl:( I still have Abby's ashes and I made a memory box with her collar and picture and a poem. I put her ashes in the other side) I still sleep with our blanket and I miss her so much every day but Abby told me to get another puppy to love like she had been loved. A week or so later we found Belle and now Sammy. We love them both so much but Abby will always have that piece of our hearts until we meet again. Time and happy memories help to heal the pain but they don't stop the tears of love and loss.

:cry2:I am so very sorry for your loss as well. I understood and have lived everything you went through. I told Marco that I knew there was another dog out there that Soph would want me to love...who knew that sweet little Zoe pup was right around the corner. She helped me put my heart back together, but she could never replace my Sophie. I will remember her and what she brought to my life as long as I am breathing and I am forever grateful that fate brought that sweet soul into my life.:hearter:

[Morkie4]

It can be 4 years, 4 months, 4 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours.....it doesn't erase the pain of loss. But the wonderful memories help ease the pain and make the memory of her all the more special.

Those are such true words!!!!

I am so sorry Elizabeth that you lost Sophia.......regardless of how much times goes by, we never forget them and they will be forever in our hearts!!!!