Memorial: Sandy (#1102)

Sandy Crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, September 20, 2004

Sandy had to be put down today after being a Golden Bond dog for just ten days. Sandy was given up because her owners were getting a divorce and neither were moving to a place that had a place for her. Not that she asked for much of a place, but they couldn't be bothered.

As soon as Sandy was taken in, it was obvious that she had a serious problem, as her belly was hugely swollen with fluid and she was definitely uncomfortable. She had several x-rays, nothing was obviously wrong with her heart as it looked normal and there was too much fluid in her belly to see what was going on with an abdominal x-ray. At this point Sandy's owner was called to see if she wanted Sandy back for her last few days but "No" that just wasn't possible!

After an initial exam, x-rays and a few days in foster care, Sandy was taken to Raleigh Hills Vet Clinic where Dr. Libby Hawkins saw her for a diagnosis. We needed to know what her condition was, how much she was suffering, and what if anything, could be done. Without an ultra sound it was hard to determine. Dr. Hawkins called Dr. Franklin at home, this was a Sunday, to ask his advice, whereupon he offered to come in and do an ultrasound on our girl for no charge!

It turned out that Sandy's intestines and stomach were peppered with cancer and this was the reason for her stomach being filled with fluid. Sandy was so brave through the entire ultra sound We were allowed to observe, scared but stalwart, Sandy made it though. With this diagnosis it was obvious she did not have long to live. So after a day of loves, kisses and general spoiling, Sandy was brought back for euthanasia.

With Dr. Hawkins and the Golden Bond foster by her side, Sandy received her final injection whereupon she lifted her head, looked directly into Dr. Hawkins's eyes as if to say, "thank you for relieving my pain," laid her head down and was gone.

This little girl was the one of the sweetest and most gentle creatures I have met for a long time. It was so very difficult to bring her in as she was so loved and accepted by her foster home, humans and dogs alike, but it seems at the end that this is what she was asking for.

Sandy, #1102, will be long remembered as not just a number, but a brave little girl who endured an owner who gave her up at 14 years of age, after having her since she was a puppy, without even a glance over her shoulder, to making a lasting mark on a foster home in just a few days.

Our home is a little less full tonight, our dogs seem to know what has happened, and we are back to "normal" with our four, plus our permanent foster who is sweeter than life itself. However we are more compassionate than ever for going through this with Sandy.

What did we learn from this short experience with Sandy? Compassion and love for an animal is what it is all about, no matter whether it be for a lifetime, with your own dogs, or with a foster who literally walks through your life for just a week. There is definitely going to be an empty spot tonight next to my bed but hopefully Sandy is in a much better place having crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Good bye sweet girl and know that you touched many hearts in the short time you were a Golden Bond dog.

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