Our beloved dog Grace, a 15 year old Australian Shepherd, succumbed last Thursday to a progressive neurological disease that was inhibiting her breathing. While we had thought she had arthritis for the past year, it turns out it was the beginning of the illness along with her arthritis. I am grateful I didn’t know that since she was happy and I was not anticipating her decline. In the end she only dealt with severe symptoms for 10 days. I had hoped she could die naturally at home, but in this disease a dog dies from not being able to breathe. That was appalling, so we chose to use a veterinarian in the end.
Needless to say it has taken a toll on us all. She was a loving member of the family, with us since her days as a rambunctious puppy brought from upstate New York as she slept peacefully in the back seat. At that time she joined our dog Tess, now also gone, and was a great playmate for her. We realized, too late, that we have never had just one dog, so it is very quiet–too quiet–right now.
In a while we will contact the woman active with the Australian Shepherd club and begin the search for another puppy. No dog ever replaces another as we know from having lost four in our marriage. But we are definitely dog people and will be again.
Saved By Words 
Such sad news, but you undoubtedly did the best thing for poor Grace, Elizabeth. She lived a good long life, with a family that loved her and cared for her. No dog could ask for more.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am sure that Ollie came to mind when you read this. The deeper the connection the deeper the grief it seems.
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Commiserations. Our old Pickle was irreplaceable, but the hole she left is less of a chasm since Ruff came.
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I am glad to know that it is possible to fill a little of the hole.
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Beautiful dog. My condolences: but at least she didn’t suffer too long.
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Amazingly enough given the progression of the disease. It never got her down until the very last weeks.
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This brought tears to my eyes. So very sorry for your loss. But I’m happy you were able to enjoy 15 years with Grace. Take care.
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Sad to hear, Elizabeth, but she clearly had a great life with you…..My condolences
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Thanks. Yes she was very loved for 15 years.
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I am so sad to read this update. My heart goes out to you.
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Thanks Maggie.
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Doing the right thing is so hard sometimes but an absolute necessity to prevent suffering. So sorry for your loss Elizabeth but glad that you have decided to add a new companion to the family.
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I think it was the right decision, but it still hurts.
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I’m so sorry to read this Elizabeth, my thoughts are with you. Sending lots of hugs.
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Thanks so much Ami for taking the time to write me a note.
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agree with Peter’s Pondering
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It’s clear from the photo she was a sweet dog. I am very sorry for your loss.
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She had a very sweet and loving personality, quite her own.
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That is devastating Elizabeth, they certainly wrap their little paws around our hearts & when they go, there is such a void of their companionship.
Those of us who have loved & lost precious pets understand & emphasize with you both. Sending love & prayers your way. ♥ Jennifer
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Thanks. And do they actually have Australian Shepherds in Australia?
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Yes, we do they’re one of the breeds we call working dogs.
Although your dear pet looked very much like another breed of working dog here called a Border Collie (nothing like Lassie). But they look very, very similar the main difference is in the length of fur 😀
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I think that the American Aussie is pretty much the same as the Border Collie.
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Yes, I thought so 😀
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Oh Elizabeth, I am so very very sorry to read that your beloved had past on. They are such beautiful family members and their love can never be replaced. May your abundant memories fill your broken hearts…………
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What a lovely note. I l treasure the notion of abundant memories.
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gentle hugs to you!
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Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
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Thank you so much. I am always glad to see you have been visiting.
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So sorry for you and your family. As a lifelong dog owner, I totally empathize.
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Thanks Pete.
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I’m so sorry, Elizabeth. As a dog lover, just reading your post brings back the same memories for us. I’m glad you’ll be looking for another puppy. You heart will soon be full again.
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I am grateful that you understand Jennie. My grandkids are taking it especially hard since it is their first experience.
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May recommend a terrific book for your grandchildren? So many of the death and dying books for children are, well, delicate. Your grandkids are older, so they are probably both sad and angry that he died. To make it more complicated, they don’t want to be angry, but that can’t be helped. I highly recommend “The Rough Patch” by Brian Lies. It’s a picture book with beautiful illustrations, but don’t be fooled that it’s for young children. It is so good! You know I’m picky about good books. I hope this helps.
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Excellent. Just saw this reply and will do.
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🙂
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I am so very sorry for your loss.
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Thank you Sharon.
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I’m sorry Grace is gone — lovely dog and beautiful name.
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Thanks. She came at Easter, hence her name.
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What a lovely reason for Grace’s name!
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She was so pretty & sweet.This picture captures her disposition so well.Thank you. P&B
Sent from my iPad
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I loved this one photo too.
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I am sorry for your loss.
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Thanks.
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My deepest condolences. It is extremely hard to lose a faithful friend and family member.
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Thanks. It is especially hard with a dog as intelligent as a herder. I was very used to daily interactions.
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So sorry! Those little fur children sure do know how to wrap themselves around our hearts.
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Thanks Debbie.
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I am so sorry for your loss. The unwavering loyalty, faith and love of our family pets insure that their passing leaves an indelible mark in our souls. When Juno passed away 6 months ago, I swore I would never have another pet. Now, I have Loki, and while I love him to death, I still carry Juno in my heart. I will keep you in my thoughts.
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Thank you so much. We are now beginning to think of a puppy.
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Loki has really helped
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So sorry for your loss.
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