“A Good Dog”

~ Elizabeth

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.

52 thoughts on ““A Good Dog””

  1. 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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  7. 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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  11. 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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      1. 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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  12. 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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  15. 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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      1. 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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  18. She was so pretty & sweet.This picture captures her disposition so well.Thank you. P&B

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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  22. 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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