My beloved old dog Nippy died today. She has been my buddy/shadow for 14 years, since she was about 3 years old. Some dogs are one person dogs and Miss Nip was one of those - devoted to me. There were some times that it felt like she was my only friend, too; times she stood by me thru sadness, despair, heartache, fear.....all that.
Our human friends marveled at her insistence at being at my ankle at all times - being a Heeler that was her place of course, but Nippy took it to a whole 'nother level! If I so much as stood to adjust my clothes she'd be up and right behind my foot, ready for whatever. The funny thing is, as my daughter pointed out, all my life I didn't like dogs; I'm a cat person. But something in her spoke to me, and we were best buds from day 1.
This picture will always make me smile. I don't have too many pictures of her because she always hustled to get behind me! I practically had to yell at her to SIT and she was whimpering and shaking the whole time.
Nippys big passion in life was chasing horses - she would take out into the pasture at mach 4 and run to nip the heels of the horses, then spin in place in a circle so fast and so tight you couldn't tell she was a dog, it was hilarious, then she'd trot back to me smiling and so proud of herself! We had to lock her in the house every time we had the horses out because it did get to be dangerous but she never stopped. Kicked in the head, one time she was knocked out cold and another time went into seizures on the spot. It was pouring rain and dark and she was in deep mud and I lost a boot in the mud trying to get to her and get her out. When we lived waaay out in the country she was a free roaming girl, but wouldn't leave our property. When she heard my car coming she'd meet me at the gate and race me to the house, and that dog could run FAST!! Her big thick tail never stopped even when she was running; we used to say if you tried to hold onto that tail her whole body would wag!
This last year was a rapid decline. She could barely walk, couldn't hear, became incontinent and would fall over. When we noticed that she never wagged her tail, not even a little bit, we knew it was Time. I had two friends from my mini quilt group over today, bless Lynn and Leslie for helping me thru this day. Bless my DH who took Nippy to the vet for me because I was too weak to do it.
I sure miss that dog.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Nippy-Bee
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24 comments:
I am sure sorry for your loss. You will be looking for her for a while right at your ankle.
Our dog is 14 years old ,too, and is declining. We just enjoy each day as a gift.
julie
((((((SuBee)))))) please know how sorry I am for your loss. What a dear and faithful friend Nippy was and you are better for having the years with her. I am sure her reward was great. I love the story of her running in a tight circle so fast you could not see her. Too funny. Keep those memories close to you. You could tell by the picture with the quilt that she just wanted to get to you. You will be in my prayers my friend.
I'm so sorry to read that you lost your friend, Nippy! Consider yourself ((HUGGED))
SO sorry about your loss. I can't even imagine losing such a long-time friend. Smiles and hugs for you!
O So sad when they leave us, after years of complete and trusting devotion. I'm sorry. How nice that you have the photo of dear Nippy and a very lovely quilt too.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I am heading that direction with our oldest dog right now. I am not a dog or cat person but they sure do like me. Take care of yourself and allow yourself to mourn. Have a blessed day.
So sorry to hear your news. Sending you cyber ((hugs))
I'm so sorry Su, it's so hard to let them go. ((((hugs))))
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our wonderful dog 7 years ago this month. I still miss her more than I can say. She was a part of our family for 11 years. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Su Bee, I'm so sorry about Nippy-Bee! Lord, am I going to be a sorry mess when my turn comes, and it will, my boys are almost 12 and 13. I'm sending quilty hugs and warmest thoughts to wrap you in! Hold tight to the memories she left you with...and remember: "Always blessings...never losses"
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayer is that your happy memories will crowd out the pain in the days, and weeks, ahead. Hugs!!
SuBee what beautiful memories you have of such a faithful friend. I'm so sorry to hear that she's no longer with you. Prayers going up for your peace.
This is my first visit to your blog, and I'm glad I came when I did. I want you to know you have my hearfelt sympathy for the loss of your Nippy. My husband and I have a doggie, Sophie, and the three of us share a strong bond. I can only image your grief. God bless you dear. Just know that Nippy will wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
It was good to hear the stories, having only known Nippers during her falling over years. But her eyes still told her love for you.
That is always a hard decision to make -- that last trip to the vet. I feel for your loss, Su.
Su, I'm so very sorry about your loss of Nippy. There are no words when you've had such a loss.....take care of yourself, my friend.
xoxo
It is so "tough" to lose a good friend like Nippy. I know from my own experience that she will be in your heart forever.
I am sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a dog that has been at your feet and in your life for so long.
(((Hugs))))
I've loved my animal compansions almost as much as my human ones. So, trust me, when I say I know how you feel...I do. My deepest, most heartfelt sorrow at this gigantic loss. I can tell you this, though, Su Bee. As far as I can tell, their spirits surround us just like human ones. Reach out with your spirit and feel hers. She's still following you and looking out for you and howling her head off when you come back home each time. ((((major hugs)))
Awww... Nippy sounds like she was a good friend...
sorry for your loss of Nippy. I have cats from my childhood i could still mourn for. Hope you can remember the good times and not be too consumed with sadness.
Oh Su Bee, I'm so sorry about your poor doggy. I've lost a dog and it's just the worst. They become family to us just like our children. I"m sorry and I'll be thinking about you.
How hard it is to lose a friend but remember them brings joy for our entire lives.
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