Saying Good-Bye

On Friday, May 3, 2013 just one day shy of Cadee's 13th birthday we had to say Good-bye to our sweet girl. Cadee's health has been steadily declining along with her weight. No longer did she enjoy playing outside or soaking up the sun. Those days left her almost a year ago. We knew for the last few months that her time was coming and that we would need to make that heart wrenching decision to euthanize her and send her home to God.

We asked ourselves over and over what is best for her, are we being selfish by trying any and everything to get her to eat; were we in denial saying that we didn't think she was in pain.

How would we know when it was time? For me it was through prayer and placing my faith in God. Each morning and night during my prayers I would ask God to show us a sign; would He take her or would He give us that task so hard to do but to send her home to Him in faith and love.

Thursday morning as I was praying I was given a vision of Cadee running in the grass like she used to do so long ago. Her little stub tail was wagging and she was so full of life. Very different than the frail, weak girl she had become who slept most of the day and night. I knew then that God was telling me and testing me to see if I was ready to follow Him. And I felt a sense of happiness for Cadee that she soon would be free from her earthly frail body and home in the loving arms of our Lord.

Twenty-four hours later we were on our way to the vet's to send her on her journey. Our hearts were heavy and the tears were flowing. But it was Cadee who gave us the support we needed to get through this. She was so relaxed and calm as we laid her on the table. As we cradled her and whispered words of love to her she raised her head, gave my nose a kiss, laid her head back down and took her last breath. It was so peaceful and that kiss was the greatest gift she could have ever given me; it was her way of saying "Thank You".

The weekend has been tough with missing Cadee. I actually thought I heard her scratching at the door a couple of times; I guess there are just some sounds you never forget. People have made the comment  "this is why I will never have another pet, it is too hard to go through this". For me, I will never not have a dog. The joy and happiness they bring during their lifetime is a gift from God. As with any of us in life, we are only here for a short time; then it's time to go home to our Heavenly Father. I am thankful that I was able to give Cadee the freedom from a life of sickness and pain. The sadness I feel is for me not being able to hold and see Cadee every day. The happiness I have is in knowing that Cadee is with her Father in Heaven, happy, playful and full of everlasting life.

I love you Cadee girl! Thank you God for blessing us with her for 13 wonderful years.
Until we meet again sweetie, have fun!

Lucy!

Sweet Lucy joined our family in March of 2011. What joy this little one has brought to our lives! She became fast friends with Sophie and the two are inseparable now. Cadee continues to be the "Queen" of the family choosing to sit back and watch all the action. Her age and declining health don't allow her to join in on the play anymore.

Although having 3 dogs can be a challenge at times, those times are few and far between. Each of them have their own unique personality with a common trait of being very sweet girls. Sophie, is a typical lab who loves people, loves to play and thinks she is a lap dog! Lucy is our baby, loves to cuddle, sleep under the covers and always be on your lap. Her crazy side is jumping on Sophie wanting to play. It is amazing just how gentle Sophie is when playing with Lucy. Cadee is the same sweet girl who still steals food when she can. She sleeps most of the day and night; soon to be 13 years old, she is entitled to sleep as much as she wants.

Every day I thank God for the blessings in my life....3 of those special blessings are my 4-legged babies.