Remembered...

I was so excited; I was getting a new Golden Retriever puppy.  My friend Carley and I drove to the house to meet the puppies and when we sat on the  floor all the pups came running up to us but one little golden girl crawled in my lap.  I turned her on her back and as I rubbed her plump little tummy she promptly fell asleep.  I bent down and smelled the unmistakable sent of "puppy breath" and I was in love.  That night this sweet puppy came home with me.  As we drove back to my house Carley was holding my yet to be named new family member and commented how amazing it was that she had not been car sick on her very first car ride.  As you might guess it was at that moment that Sage barffed all over Carley and the front seat of my car. 
 
The next day I decided this girl would be called "Sage" because she was quite wise for being such a youngster.  Sage was a typical Golden, with all the wonderful traits we look for in a Golden Retriever.  She was kind and gentle, with a loving spirit and an occasional mischievous streak.  But her most endearing trait was that she never met a person she didn't like. 
 
When Dillon was born she was exactly as I expected her to be; gentle and kind.  In the last few weeks Sage's health went downhill quickly and Dillon did what he could to make her feel better.  He would cover her with his favorite "blankie," kiss her on the nose and say "Now Sage, all better."  Sage loved ever second of his attention.  Last night I gave Sage her food but she didn't want to eat, so I tried to hand feed her but she was not interested, but when Dillon picked up her food and offered it to her she gently took it from him. Dillon sat with her and hand fed her most of her supper.  In those moments I saw a little sparkle in her eyes and heard a thump, thump, thump of her tail.  What joy it gave me to see my little boy taking care of our precious old girl.
 
After a long night of labored breathing and a morning that found it almost impossible for Sage to stand up without assistance I made the difficult decision to let her go.  Dillon & I took her to Century where Dillon said goodbye to Sage then enjoyed spending time with friends at the clinic while Clark, Lisa B. and I helped Sage to the other side.  I will miss her so but in her 13 years she gave us much joy and love.  Tonight when "Daddy" comes home it will be very strange not to hear her "Woof, woof, woof, woof" until he comes in the door and pets her.  The sound of the silence will be almost deafening.  Ahh but life goes on and I am blessed to have had her.  I am blessed that I was able to let her go and keep her suffering to a minimum.  I am blessed that I got to hold her in my arms as she slipped away to a better place where she can run, play and chase tennis balls to her heart's content.

 
Sweet Sage we will miss you and will always love you!