In Memory of Heidi

[WillParkinson]

Many years ago we decided that we needed a companion for our dog, Misty. We went to the Wisconsin Humane Society to
find a new friend.

After some time we came across a small dog named Angel. She was acting so tough until they brought her out of the pen
to meet us. As soon as she came face-to-face with us she cowered and peed. We were instantly in love.

We brought her home with us and renamed her Heidi, due to her curly tail (we thought she looked Swiss) but gave her
the nickname Puddles. Everytime she met someone new she'd do the same tough act and then puddle.

Time passed as it often does. Other friends joined our household. First came Bailey who latched onto Misty as a type
of surrogate mom. Heidi stayed aloof. She wasn't one for joining in the fun but she loved to come over and sit on my
lap and lick my face. When Misty got old and left us we had Sadie join the house. Heidi still never warmed up to any
other members of the family but continued to show her love to Paul and I. Then Brownie came to live with us. Through
it all Heidi only had eyes for her 'humans'.

And now Heidi has reached almost 16.5 years. She's slowed down so much in her dotage but never lost the twinkle in
her eye.

Today we took her for a last ride as illness has done what time alone could not.

No matter what anyone says 16 years just isn't a long enough time.

[pipi_k]

1. Only other pet lovers could know the pain caused

by the departure of a dear furry companion.

My condolences on your loss. I've lost many too.

And you're right. The time they're with us is never long enough.

:hug:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. My deepest sympathies to you. What kind was she?

I love dogs and I have been attached to one large beautiful rough collie we had for ten years, and then my boyfriend's two sweet little cockers. They peed all over things when they were happy to see us too!! :D

It's so tough when they pass on.

:cry:

I hope your Heidi is in doggie heaven.

[WillParkinson]

3. We never figured out what type of dog she was...

Heidi is the one in the front.

[DesertFlower]

14. they're all beautiful. sorry for your loss.

[Puglover]

27. She was just beautiful.

:hug:

[Zoeisright]

4. I'm sorry for your loss. I've lost two cats this year.

And you're right, it's not long enough.

[Tikki]

5. Gigantic hugs for your family...and even...

then they will not be enough to close the pain, right now, of her loss...

The excellent memories take over in time and she is in your family's heart, forever.


Tikki

[XanaDUer]

6. Condolences

nt.

[emilyg]

7. Safe journey for Heidi and hugs for you.

[virgogal]

8. RIP Heidi----she was lucky to have "found" you.

[alsame]

9. So sorry for your loss. I have one now that will be 14 this

month and, like Heidi, she still has the twinkle in her eye although her body is showing its age.

It's never enough time. I don't remember who said it, but years ago I read a comment from soneone who said it takes a special kind of person to fall so in love with creatures that have much shorter lives than we do.

:hug:

[sabrina 1]

10. So sorry you had to say goodbye to Heidi.

It is truly painful to lose such a good friend.

I like to think there is a doggy heaven where they all go and get to act like puppies again.

And no amount of years is long enough to spend with such a faithful friend.

RIP Heidi :cry:

[jtuck004]

11. Those are the ones that leave the biggest scar.

I am so glad you could have such a friend for the short time she was here. We lost one of our long-timers (one of those that rescued us many years ago) a few months ago, so we know some of what you feel.

I read somewhere that their lives are short on purpose, so they can teach us one final lesson about how important it is to appreciate the time we have. Don't know, but I do know how much I appreciate their being able to spend the time with us that that do.

I'm going to take the group outside now, and have some good thoughts for Heidi, and for you.

[DainBramaged]

12. Having been there so many times, I share your pain and cry for your loss.....

someday.........

[TBF]

13. Very sorry for your loss -

Heidi will be waiting for you over the rainbow.

[flvegan]

15. I'm so sorry Will.

But you well know, she was truly blessed to have had you and Paul as her humans for so long.

[Wind Dancer]

16. It's so painful to lose a pet!

I wish there were words to ease the heartache but you have special memories of Heidi that will last a lifetime. Sending hugs your way.

[Solly Mack]

17. I'm so sorry.

[Bluenorthwest]

18. You guys take care of yourselves

That is hard stuff indeed.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

19. When I brought my rat terrier home some 14 years ago she was dubbed "P-Dog" as

a nickname. Yes she left puddles as well and has been a joy to share a home with for all these years.

[WillParkinson]

33. Heidi is the reason for my avatar...

I think of her whenever I see it (except she wasn't a mutant green dog...)

[Booster]

20. So sorry for your loss, Will. I will more than likely have to take my

Spencer for that last ride sometime this year. Her calcium count is really high and, like Heidi, she's slowed down a whole lot, can't hear too good, and just mainly lays around with no energy. She's my 14 yr old rescue and she's been a really good friend and companion. I have 4 cats so I don't think I'll get another dog; I don't think I will live long enough to see them grow up. I had a cat die last year and she was 22 yrs old so I know I don't have that kind of time left and be sharp enough to give them the love and attention they need. You're right; 16 years just isn't a long enough time.:cry:

[myrna minx]

21. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[mrs_p]

22. the loss of a fur baby is difficult

so very sorry

[roguevalley]

23. I am so sorry. there is nothing in this world like a dog. You saved

a life and gave a sweet little thing a life. i have two that are 16 and 17. One has alzheimers and if he makes it his winter it will be a miracle. I will think good thoughts for you and yours tonight.

[TriMera]

24. Will...

:hug:

[WillParkinson]

25. Thank you everyone...

I really do appreciate the sentiments.

For those who know my pain and those who are sharing it please accept this:

:grouphug:

[xchrom]

26. to loose such a dear & devoted friend & companion.

may you find Peace at this difficult time.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

28. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

29. Safe passage to Heidi.

May she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, WillParkinson. :hug:

[w8liftinglady]

30. Will...what a beautiful tribute to Heidi.

She was lucky to have you.It's funny how that works both ways,isn't it?


this little video always makes me smile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoBO6kJCBvw

[barbtries]

31. you the best kind of people

for a sweet dog like heidi. my sympathy as i know you will miss her.

[Aerows]

32. I know how you feel

My Maine Coon had to be put to sleep last year. 17 years with my big boy wasn't nearly enough.

[WillParkinson]

34. I had to let Paul make the ultimate decision...

He based his on the logic that with her kidneys and pancreas failing anything we did would only be a stopgap measure. I was grasping at straws for anything that would give me an extra month even though I know it was just for me and I wasn't thinking about how she was feeling. Paul thought I'd be angry with him but I wasn't at all. I'm glad he was there because I couldn't do it without him.

[redwitch]

35. Husband and I took our beloved Mac kitty last week.

It was time and maybe past time to make the decision but it was so very hard. :hug: I am always so sad to read these posts on DU. I am so sorry for your loss Will. Glad Paul was there with you.