Tuesday, March 12, 2013

A Last Picture

This was Shadow. Snapped on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010, our last day together. My "Sweet Sunshine". Shadow had been experiencing falls and seizures periodically since February. On June 14th, around 9:30 PM, Shadow collapsed.... Not far from where I am sitting right now. She was unable to pull herself back up, heedless of many, many, many failed attempts. Which I helplessly watched. This picture was snapped of a very, very confused Shadow, "smiling" despite having urinated all over herself due to "holding it" all night long. Shadow only ever had twain accidents in nearly ten 1/2 years. I cannot say the same about Rose!! But I love that crazy hound!! I stayed by Shadow's side nearly all night long on June 14th, achieving merely two hours' sleep. Which. I admit was an insane act of love, being literally sleep-deprived the day you say good-bye to your baby. I was so numb as resulted when we euthanized Shadow. But I would do it again in a heartbeat. For that last night together was our "farewell party". Which God graciously bestowed upon us. And we made every second count. I will never forget that.  

 

12 comments:

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Staying up all night with her was the right decision. She knew how loved she was.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

It's so sad to say goodbye.

Unknown said...

So sad when they get ill and start to go down hill. Heartbreaking. The good thing is you gave comfort right up till the end. Sweet Shadow runs free and fast over the rainbow bridge now.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

Sherri / 2Rescues said...

Shadow was beautiful.

Mary Lou said...

Daisy, Bella & Roxy....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"It's so sad to say goodbye.". Indeed. It has been nearly three years since Shadow died. I cannot believe that much time has passed.... {No pun intended!!} ;op

Mary Lou said...

Molly....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"So sad when they get ill and start to go down hill. Heartbreaking.". Agreed. It was an emotionally trying few months for me. I felt real stress like never before, and became a crier. Those twain aspects had always been strangers to my emotional being.... ;op

Mary Lou said...


Sherri....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Shadow was beautiful. ". Thank-you!! I always thought so!! ;)
Sorting through Shadow's last photographs was emotional at first. But I hummed a cheerful tune during its process!! Interestingly enough, doing so has proved healing for me. I have fallen in love with this picture!! ;op

Sketching with Dogs said...

She is a beautiful girl Raelyn. I'm sure you enjoyed many happy adventures together. It is always so sad when we have to say goodbye, all we can console ourselves with is that they are no longer suffering.
Lynne x

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Shadow was beautiful!! As for "adventures", she never liked other canines, aggressively barking and lunging toward them like some trained fighter dog. So. Our "adventures" were mostly training!! ;op

Maxmom said...

Dear Raelyn
I'm so sorry for your loss of Shadow. It is always so difficult to say goodbye. Remember, your last act was an act of love - the ultimate act of love. Take time to grieve, my friend.
Rest in peace, sweet Shadow. And please say hello to Maxdog for me.
With love and ((Hugs))
MAXMOM IN SA

Mary Lou said...

MAXMOM....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Remember, your last act was an act of love - the ultimate act of love.". Oh, so it was not insane to stay up nearly all night with Shadow?! I know it was an act of love.... ;)
Thanks for the virtual hugs from South Africa, Friend!! ;op

Tweedles -- that's me said...

You gave the greatest unselfish gift of alL- even though it was painful.
But you listened to Shadows request and that was the best thing to do.
love
tweedles

Mary Lou said...

Tweedles....
Thank-you for the comment!!
You're sweet, my Friend!! ;op