Please indulge me but I must share my sadness, my memories and purge my guilt.
Sadness that Sharnie, my much loved Border Collie, passed from this world today in the comforting arms of my wife with the assistance of a caring Vet. Sadness that, when I walk in the door tonight she won’t be there to wag her tail, nuzzle me a greeting and forgive me for being away yet again.
Memories of how she’d been smuggled into my office as a timid, frightened little puppy with explicit instructions from my wife to worship me and follow in my footprints. To love me so much that I would never be able to sell our house with its space and garden to move into a city unit in the sky.
And, oh how well Sharnie did that! We were inseparable! Every morning she barked me awake and together we ran miles into the dawn. She listened to my problems, soothed me in defeat and basked in my victories! She loved me without reservation.
She taught me so much, so much that many years ago I wrote “Lessons from Sharnie” and I’ll post those in a day or two, just to share them with you.
Guilt that, whilst her life was ending I, the person she loved and lived for, was helpless on the other side of the country, unable to hold her close and say farewell. Unable to tell her how much I loved her, how happy she’d made me and all my family and friends.
Guilt that, when she most needed me, when she wanted to fix those beautiful brown eyes of hers on mine for just one last time, I wasn’t there. Unable to help her on her final journey.
And now, I sit writing this with tears streaming down my face on an aircraft getting me home all too late. But, my sadness is tempered by the joy of those memories, the happiness we shared, the fun we had and the bond that will live forever.
In the midst of tears, I celebrate her life. Sharnie my great mate… a life well lived, a life well loved.
So sorry to learn of this terrible melancholy for you. We who knew of Sharnie through your writings are also saddened. Thank you for sharing during your grief.
Thanks Darren… writing was the only way I could get it out! On then plane I pretended that I was watching a movie to explain the tears streaming down my cheeks.
Pets become a loved member in your family. It is just as sad to lose a pet.
Thanks Ann-Maree and you’re right… its tough but we all go at sometime! Its just the parting.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your gorgeous Sharnie, Winston. You write of her so beautifully that I am sure she knew and felt incredibly loved by you for every day of her life. Focus on those days, and not this, her last. To know such love, both of you, lasts beyond a lifetime, beyond seperation and may it now comfort you as you say goodbye to your most loyal friend. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Julie and you’re right… her memory lingers on and a great photo of her we had taken recently means she smiles down at me every day.
Winno old mate I teared up reading that lovely loving tribute, so sad that our pets go so young. Stay well.
Thanks Brian, much appreciated.
Dear W, I got such a shock when I saw your tweet. Not a meeting between us has passed without you eulogising your beloved doggie. And now the most heartfelt eulogy of all. It’s been six months since my first doggie died. The single saddest moment of my life was feeling her heartbeat cease against my cradling hand as the vet put her down. No words can assuage such a dreadful grief as you’re feeling. But I just wanted you to know that I’ve never met a man so devoted to his puppy as yourself. It’s clear to me that you did all in your power for Sharnie. So I hope you won’t beat yourself up too much, when life can so easily do that for you. With deepest sympathy, P. 🙁
Thanks Paul… no I wont beat myself up. Its just coming to terms with her not being around that’s tough.
Winston it is very sad when a beloved pet leaves us, one of the deepest pits that can be experienced and compounded more so for you not being there. Our dogs give us so much, expecting so little in return, their hearts and eyes lighting up when we give them attention, tails wagging. I am sure that if you simply keep sending her love and gratitude, this will help her passing over and for you, acknowledge your feelings, don’t stifle them. Love and Blessings.Thank you for sharing, I look forward to reading your “Lessons from Sharnie”.
Much appreciated Lynette! I’ll post those lessons soon.
Your beautiful words showed how much you loved and cared for each other Winno. Our thoughts are with you.
Thanks Wally, it was a real loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Winno. You had such a special relationship. Your lovely tribute reminds us all about the significant role that our companion animals play in our lives. They are our brethren as we walk this earth. You and Lauris provided a great life for her. Her suffering has now ended. Know that she had a wonderful life.
Thanks Gina and appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Winno,
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
I am sure she always lived in the present and didn’t look back or forward. She would have enjoyed every moment with you and not regretted or hoped as we do. She will always be a beautiful friend who taught you how to be present with her. What a wonderful gift to leave a loving friend.
Paddy
Yes Paddy, the gifts she left me were numerous. Thanks
Oh Winston, I too have tears streamng down my face. Such a beautiful dog, I only met her a few weeks ago and saw her pain. Lots of love and light to your family and prayers to help her over. Xoxo
Thanks Angel, much appreciated.
Truly sorry for the loss Winno.
Will be missed by all including the other members of the family with pink and purple ears!!!!!!!!
Jamie
We all love our dogs, faithful always and a friend to the end.
So sorry about your loss
Gary
Funny, I never tell my schnauzer Basil, of my failures or successes. I have obviously missed out. Sad to hear your story.
Oh Winno, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know what a faithful friend she was. Our thoughts are with you.
Thanks, much appreciated. Millie is still wandering around looking for Sharnie.