It wasn't time yet.

by Carla
(Albany, OR.)

We played, we hiked and had a marvelous time that weekend. You hit the end of the flexi lead when you saw the kids in a boat. I hit the ground and when I recovered from the pain, oh how I laughed and you kissed my face.

From out of nowhere the next day I had a heart attack and emergency by-pass surgery. Oh no, it's not time yet for all that. I'm much too young.

Coming home to your gentleness and knowing heart gave me reason to smile for the first time since the surgery. You cuddled me gently, all 110 pounds of you. I grinned when I thought of when you were soo very little and sweet and I named you Sugar.

A few months later a growth appeared on your ear and seemed to be rapidly growing. To the vet and then to a specialist. Stage 3. Comfort measures only. (Oh so brave and sweet my girl was.) More pain meds.

You seemed to be comfortable until one night you told me it was time when you tried to hop onto the bed landing flat out on your belly. You didn't move and the expression on your face said it all. Oh how I had prayed that you would go peacefully in your sleep. I didn't want you to suffer the unbearable but why do I have to do the unimaginable? It's not time yet. You are barely two years old and we have just started our journey together.

Back to the vet. Cradling you in my arms as we sat on the floor I could only tell you how much I loved you and thank you for your love.
Your urn sits near my desk and when I go you shall be with me for even in my own death I know I shall still crave the wonderful scent and heart of an Alaskan Malamute.

I have gone on and now have two Mals and a German Shepherd. Thanks to Sugar I am now very much involved in rescue and try to help their hearts and spirits heal as Sugar loved and helped me.