" IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
George Eliot
George Eliot was actually a pen name for a woman named Mary Anne Evans......

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Savanna's Story

The house is very quiet.......

We no longer hear the jingle jangle of her tags on her collar....

Joe and I are once again alone... just the 2 of us.... as it was when we first got married on August 12th, 1978

On August 16th, 2010, we had to say Good Bye to one of the loves of our lives..

Our Sweet Savanna



Savanna's story starts with the one that came before her........

Our Darling Cassie

Cassie was an abused dog that we rescued . She was an SPCA dog. We had her for 9 wonderful years before lung cancer forced us to make one of the hardest decisions we ever had to make.
On that day in May 2001 , all 4 of us were present when her suffering ended and she drifted off into an eternal sleep. The last thing she saw was the faces of the family that loved her more than anything.

It was hard to think of getting another dog but the hole left in our hearts was to big to fill so once again, we went to the SPCA and found our sweet Savanna.

She was about 2 years old and was completely house broken and well trained.

So once again , we opened our home and our hearts to another wonderful gentle dog.


Savanna ,modeling one of her Bandana's


Once again, we had been blessed with a sweet and gentle creature who had free run of our entire home and NEVER bothered anything and you all know from photos of my home that I have wall to wall things all over.

Here she is napping by the Christmas Tree and the platform that holds one of my villages.


She was Mommy's girl and seldom left my side. When the boys were still living at home, she was never alone as all 4 of us worked all different time schedules and there was always someone home with her.


She did not like to be left alone and would get quite upset when we did.

The sofa was her favorite place......


She was with us for 9 years but once again, cancer would take our beloved pet.
On August 16th, I came home from work in the morning as usual. She had been ill for the past several days with some vomiting, she wouldn't eat, was drinking vast amounts of water and was panting terribly, trying to catch her breath. I knew we would have to make a decision soon.


Here she is with Joe.....

Both of us , Savanna and I went upstairs to bed as she always did when I came home from working night shift.
In about an hour, something woke me.....
My sweet girl was convulsing on the floor bedside my bed....
I called the boys.....
My Joey left work immediately and my Jimmy walked right out of Target where he works without even telling his boss ( he did later )
Joe could not leave work as he car pools and he drove that day . But he had told me before that he would not be able to take her when it was time. He could not go through that again.....

When both of my sons came home, She seized one more time.
Our decision was easy to make as we could not bare to she her suffer like that again.

So my 2 boys and my daughter in love, Danielle ( Jim's Girlfriend) and I took her in the car one last time.

Once again, the last thing this sweet animal saw was the loving faces of her family.

August 17th was Joe's birthday......

It was our first full day with out our sweet Savanna. It was Joe's regular day off and instead of the Birthday celebration we had planned, we spent the day crying and cleaning the house and packing up her things to donate to the SPCA.
We will celebrate his birthday in Sunday........

She always welcomed us home.......


She missed the boys terribly when they moved out but she did get to visit Joey at his apartment...


She particularly liked this chair in his apartment..

Joey paid for a private cremation and the urn with her ashes will be placed in a Place of Honor in his apartment.

He said that he always wanted to her to live with him and now she will.......


Joe and I have decided that we will now be true Empty Nesters. Just the 2 of us....
She was our last dog as we cannot go through this again......

I will have another stone made and placed in the back yard along side this one dedicated to our Cassie.
I hope to be able to find a Doggie Angel Statue to place between the 2 stones.....



And so the house is quiet........ It is just the 2 of us.......

The sorrow we feel is unbearable right now but we know it will pass and we will be able to smile again when we think of our beloved little "girls".

Thank you for all of your kind words. I appreciate them greatly.

I need to take some time off from blogging so I will not be around for a bit. I hope you all understand. I am going to link this post up to my usual parties just so you all know that I will be gone for a bit.

Take care my wonderful friends!

Hugs,
Debbie

47 Dabble comments:

Patti said...

OMG, I am crying! I know how you feel, we have gone through it too many times! We have three now and one is 12 and aging quickly! I have five urns in my china cabinet with ashes of our "children"! So, you are not alone!
My heart goes out to you and yours. Thank God she had you!

Kiki said...

HUgs! Wishing you much love, healing, comfort and peace! Anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows it is a special and unique kind of grief that not everyone can understand! Hugs...know that she is always with you!
Kiki~

Marilyn said...

I had a cat...he was a pure white Angora & his name was Duke.... I had him for almost 18 years & he developed severe Kidney Disease. He was my companion... my child.... In all those years he never left my side. I knew it was the end & I needed to allieviate his suffering.
I actually prayed for God to take me because I did not think I could live without Duke.
After it was over & his suffering was done I swore I would NEVEER GET THAT ATTACHED AGAIN...Then a few months later along came my 3 Boys. Bailey is my companion now & I can't imagine my life without him!!
We love our furbabies & we mourn their passing.....
They are our hearts.....
Love you Both & I am so sorry you have to go through this but the grief is a small price to pay for all the happiness we share with them!!
Love,
Marilyn

Tina Eudora said...

Dear Debbie you and your hubby are in my prayers. I also have my 2 sweet pup's ashes so wherever I go they will be coming with me.
I understand you needing some time, I still cry almost everyday for my Lil. I willmiss your posts while you are gone and will wait anxiously for your return...
Tina xo

Brenda ~ Shabby Cats and Roses said...

Hello Dearest Debbie, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news about your beloved Savanna. I know only too well what you are going thru right now. I lost my poor sweet Fuzzums last spring very suddenly and unexpectantly, and it was such a very difficult time. I still have my sweet Annie, Estella and Max, and don't know how I would have gotten thru it without having them here.

You take all the time you need right now to mourn your loss. We will all be here when you feel you are ready to return here to blogland.

Sending you my love, thoughts and prayers sweet friend :)

Warmest hugs, Brenda

Beth said...

Debbie, My deepest sympathy! You have held her in your arms for a short time, but you will hold her in your hearts forever. Savanna was a beauty and obviously much-loved. May God give you comfort.
Hugs, Beth

xinex said...

I am so sorry, Debbie. This is so sad, it is making me cry. I will be praying for your strenght. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and pets are really a part of the family.....Christine

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Dear Debbie,
My hubby didn't get the puppy I wanted when the boys moved out because we were too busy. Now, as much as I would like a puppy, I won't get one because I couldn't stand to go through what you're going through now. I will just admire everyone else's. My son got a new doggy {5 months old black lab} and Charlie will suffice for puppy company. My sympathies to you and your family. I will be thinking of you and praying for you. Sending you a hug.

Blessings,
Sandi

Terri Gordon said...

Oh Debbie, My heart is breaking for you and your family. I know how dogs bring so much to our lives. Our first dog that my husband and I had, we got her before we had children, she lived 17 years and when we had to put her down it was so hard that we did not get another dog for 6 years, I just could not go through the pain, but then 6 years later my husband bought me a dog for my birthday and I thank God for her every day. She is my constant companion and I would be lost without her. She is now 10 years old and I know she will not be here forever. But I have decided that if something happens to her, I will go out and get another dog right away, we are a family just like you, we have been married 32 years and have two sons and our dog is such a special part of our family and I need to have a pet, they offer so much comfort and friendship, I just don't want to go through live without that. You have such a wonderful family and there are so many wonderful dogs out there. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Terri

Manang Kim said...

Oh my I feel my heart is aching right now. Because I can relate to what you feel too. But we don't want to see them suffer so better for them to drift to sleep eternally. Hugs!!
A Chevrolet red pick up

Victorian1885 said...

Hugs Debbie..take care..

Wanda

katillacshack.com said...

Debbie,

I am crying. There are no words. Savannah's legacy is her life. So lovely, precious, kind and gentle. Let us strive to live like she did.

I will say a prayer for all for comfort and an ongoing connection to her spirit.

love you!

kelee

parTea lady said...

Debbie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for posting about your beloved Savanna. I'll miss you here in blogland.

Jo said...

Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. When we have a beloved pet they become like our children only they have 4 legs instead of 2. I will miss your post but I understand your pain. May God richly bless you and your family as you cope with your loss. You will be in my thoughts.

craftyles said...

Debbie,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Savanna. That's one of the hardest things to go through. My thoughts are with you-we'll miss you here in Blogland.

Melissa said...

A beautiful tribute to your four-footed family member.

Mary said...

Well, dang it, I'm crying like everybody else here. While I'm glad Savanna's suffering is over, I know you and your family are hurting deeply. I've loved your Savanna, too, every time I read your blog... I'd say a prayer for her. Well, she's up in the Good Shepherd's loving arms now waiting for us all to join her some sweet day.
We have some babies up there, too. We still miss them so. Hugz to you~God bless you, Savanna :)

Lisa said...

As I work in a Vet's office I think the hardest is when a family decides to not have more pets. It is a hard decision but we have to make it sometimes. I am so sorry, I know how hard your new life is. I tried to tell myself it would just be different and it is but the hole left is really hard to imagine even when you feel it. I hope you will be able to get into a new routine soon and be content there. I wish for you to heal quickly.
Hugs and prayers, Lisa

Ann said...

Hi Debbie,
My heart goes out to you and your family! I believe without a doubt that your sweet Savanna is in heaven happy and playing. You and your family gave her so much love, she was and is a happy soul. May God give each of you comfort.
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: My heart is heavy for you. I pray God's comfort for you and your family. Blessings dear friend, Martha

Nancy said...

Oh, Debbie, I am so sorry. We are facing a difficult decision with our two precious pups. Our transfer to California is making it difficult for us to find any place to live. We always bought homes before this economy became so fragile. Okay, I'm crying for us both.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh Debbie, I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering how you were doing. I have cats not dogs and when my cat died i thought that is it, no more pain for me, no more cat hair and cat sitters. It lasted about 6 months, I just could not take coming home to an empty house anymore, I was just plain depressed. So, now I have 2 cats and enjoy the fun we are having now and not the inevitable pain that will come with their death. I guess you weigh the pros and the cons. I am wishing you the best and sending your husband best wishes for his birthday. We'll be here when you're ready Debbie.

Carol

Marie said...

oh so sorry debbie. we give our love and get unconditional love back from our pets. they truly become one of the family. you take care of yourself.
blessings
marie

Eastlake Victorian said...

Debbie-

I'm so sad to hear that your sweet Savanna is gone. It's so sad that such wonderful creatures have such a short time on earth to be with us. My thoughts are with you and your family.

-Pam

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Dearest Debbie....I'm so sorry to hear the news and my heart is crying with you!!! Savanna is beautiful!!!! and thank you for sharing this sweet "love story" about your beloved pet. I still miss my Bubba...fat white chubby cat!!!...Bubba passed away over 10 years ago...but I'll be praying for you and your hubby!!!! Take all the time you need!!! I'll be here when you come back!!! Extra love, hugs, prayers, more hugs, Heather :)

Celestina Marie Designs said...

Dear Debbie,
Oh I can hardly see for the tears in my eyes reading Savanna's story.
She sure was a beautiful girl. I feel your pain as we have been through this three times and I know it is not easy. We often say that it will be unbearable if our sweet Miss B would leave us. I already know we will not get another. The pain is just too great. But in time, it will be okay again and you have special memories of a gentle little friend. So glad you are taking some time off to reflect.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby. Sending you warm hugs from my heart to yours.

Blessings to you and sweet Savanna

Terri Gordon said...

Hi Debbie, I have been thinking of you and your family all week, I hope things are better for you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Terri

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Debbie, the tears are flowing as I type. My heart is breaking for you. I just went through this a year and a half ago and it is the hardest thing I ever had to do.Didn't think I would ever have another one but like you the house was just too quiet. We have a new fur baby now but not a day goes by I don't think of our Scooter.
I'm praying for you and your family and know that sweet Savannah is romping and playing and anxiously waiting for you.
Annette

Dogmom Diva said...

Oh Debbie, I am so sorry and my tears are about reaching heaven right now. what a sweet spririt Savanna is, at the Rainbow Bridge with sweet Cassie. You will see both of them one day again:) We have gone through this with 5 dogs..we have three here now, all about the same age, 8. Time is running shorter and shorter. But it will take some time for your heart to heal..try to think of the wonderful times you had and the love you gave each other.. I will be saying a prayer for you all, just know that Savanna is now healthy and running free, the illness is gone forever..
hugs
Barb

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Oh Debbie , The tears are flowing while I'm reading your post. I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. I've been there before myself and know exacly what your going thru. I'm so glad that you had rescued Savanna from the shelter and that she had a wonderful life with such a loving family! I too said after the death of my little dog, that I could not go thru the pain of loosing one again, but later on I found a little dog that had been abanded, so I recued him, he's been with us for a couple of years know, and he's just the love of our lives! Debbie I will be praying for you and your family! hugs~~~ Daphne

NanE said...

Oh Debbie, I am so, so sorry. I know how hard it is to loose our furbabies. My sister called me yesterday in tears. She too had to have her beloved doggy of 15 years put to rest. I know that I will be faced with the same decision soon as my Border Collie Chipper will be 16 in December and I have noticed the last few weeks he is having a hard time standing up. Hugs and prayers and may you be at peace knowing she is no longer in pain, Nan

ALWAYS THE ABRAMYANS said...

Your post has litterly brought tears to my eyes. We love our pets so much and form such a bond with them. I HATE more than anything when people say "It's just a cat" or "It's just a dog"! They are so much more than that..they are family and we love them and we truly mourn their loss. I pray for your family to have strength as you make your way through this difficult time. I have my beloved Charlie (cat) who turned 10 this month. I live in fear that he is getting old and I'm terrified for the day he's not with me. I honestly don't know if I will be able to handle it. Thank you for sharing the wonderful story of Savanna with us!
-April

Cathy said...

My Sweet Dear Friend Debbie,

My heart goes out to you and your family as you mourn the loss of dear Savannah. I know that losing a pet is like losing a best friend. My thoughts are with you that your heart will not be heavy for too long and your tears will pass quickly as well. Huge hugs from your friend.

xo Cathy

Rebecca said...

Oh your story so touched me -I've been there. I'm a furry pet parent, having no children of my own. We have 3 dogs and 3 cats all rescue. God bless you for reaching out to those in need-you understand the reward is greater for you and how much they appreciate it! I know this time is difficult, but because of your big heart, I urge you to be a home again to another asap. They're out there waiting-you may not be ready, but they are!!!!! After having two at a time, we decided to open our heart and home to 3 at a time, to help as many as we could and it makes it easier for them when they go home. I firmly believe that they will be there waiting for us at the gate! I'm so sorry for your loss-I understand the pain, the emptiness. It will never be the same-each one is special and different. I know God gave them to us and he'll take care of them until we reunite again. Thank you for sharing your story with other-maybe you can inspire others to rescue and open their hearts also-thinking of you at this time!

victorian parlor II said...

Debbie,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I am crying so hard right now I can hardly see the computer screen. Our pets are our children so I know the pain that comes when a beloved pet must leave. This tribute to Savanna is so beautiful! I am so so sorry!
I pray that you will be comforted in this difficult time.

God Bless you and your family,

Kim

T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Debbie, so sorry to hear of your loss. I am writing this, of course, with tears in my eyes. I know your pain. It is truly amazing how our pets become an integral part of the family. My first dog, Toni, was with me from the time I was 2 until I was 17. We had to put her to sleep and it was the hardest thing any of us had to do at that time. I'm 44 years old, have her picture in my bedroom in a small frame, and still think about her after all these years. Sending lots of hugs your way, best wishes, Tammy

PeggyR said...

I am so sorry to hear about your pet! I know those days will come with these two and it will be sad. Hugs, Peggy

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Debbie I do know how you feel as I have been in that very sad place! I am so sorry that you lost your sweet Cassie.

Big Hugs,
Jacalyn

Teena said...

Sorry to hear the loss of your beloved pet, remember the good times, take care <3

Mary said...

Debbie dear,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Savanna. Your post is such a lovely tribute to her. She was so very loved by you and your family. How blessed she was that such a wonderful family brought her home and gave her a life full of love, security and happiness. You were her angel, and now she is yours.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless dear sweet Savanna.
Hugs, Mary

lady Estelle said...

What a beautiful story. You are a sweet a kind spirit. God bless you, dear lady,for your love in humanity and animals.

Sandy at Teacup Lane said...

My thoughts are with you Debbie on the loss of your sweet dog. What wonderful boys you have and how deeply each of you loved Savanna - she was a very lucky dog to have such a loving family.

Erica said...

You are a very sweet kind hearted person.....with lots of love to give to those sweet animals. She was a very lucky dog to have you and your family in her life. Bless Savanna.
I know what you are going through, in the last 20 years or so I've lost 3 dogs.

hugs, erica

Ro Magnolia said...

Debbie,

First of all, thank-you for visiting my blog and for the sweet comment about yesterday's "Tea Time" post. I popped over to return the favour and got so caught up in this story of Savannah that I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss. A beloved pet is a special companion and always there is something extra special about a rescue pet. They just seem to know somehow that you have given them a new lease on life and their appreciation seems so much deeper. Savannah's life was enriched beyond measure by your family. You only have to look at the pictures of her sweet face to see how happy she was to have found her forever home with you. Take comfort in the knowledge that you gave her the best of homes and made her life on earth the sweetest it could be.

Hugs, Ro

Charlene said...

Debbie, I AM SO SORRY!!!! I lost my precious Reba in this year in February. I am sitting here with tears running down my face reading this post & feeling your pain. We have not replaced our puppy girl thinking that we too could not face that pain again. But, today hubby was looking at Shelties on the internet. Our home is so quiet. I miss her sweet spirit & the constant companionship. Up until this month I couldn't imagine having another one. But, MAYBE... Hugs Charlene

SouthernGal said...

What a heart-wrenchingly sweet story. How wonderful that you found such a sweet dog. Thank you for visiting at A Southern Life. Those of us that have lost a dog that brought us so much joy can understand the pain. HUGS <3

Christi @ A Southern Life

Angela said...

It's Shaneah's birthday today also.....

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