Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Sweet Emmy Lou


Twelve years ago a litter of tiny puppies made their way into the world. In that particular batch was an exquisite little girl destined to live her life with our family. She was so tiny and so perfect. Chosen to be a mate to our Oscar. I was totally smitten with Oscar. So much so, that I wanted a wife dog for him and a million little Oscars and Emmy's to award the world with.

When we arrived at the breeders home there were many miniature breeds to choose from, but I had my heart set on one that would match my Oscar. And that is how she was chosen by he who loves dogs as much as I do. She was so tiny that she rode home in his shirt pocket. I was busy reassuring my Oscar that he was still my most favorite dog in the world. He still believes this to be a truth today. Emmy was to be the dog of my husband. I already had three and they were all loyal to me first. My Collie protected me, the Saint Bernard ignored him, and Oscar was my baby.

Emmy changed the order of things in our lives from the start. She managed to be every body's favorite. She was happy to be loved by the one holding her. She was the puppy our old Saint never had. Louise loved her little charge and Emmy returned the favor by grooming the ears of all the dogs in our house. A vet once told me I had the cleanest ears of any dogs he had ever seen. There were times when I was afraid she had actually entered Louise's head.

Emmy gave birth to three little girls and they all found good homes where they were loved as much as Emmy and Oscar are. I was smitten with my tiny girl by then and wanted some pups that looked more like her, since all three of her puppies looked exactly like Oscar. We found a long hair doxie weighing in at 4 lbs (she weighed 6 lbs.) for her to mate with, but he died before they had a chance. Then Emmy jumped from the couch and broke her back. It was just not meant to be.


Emmy died this afternoon. She had been in pain for quite some time. Emmy never complained. Even when she had surgery and had to learn to use her legs again. But this past weekend she would cry out occasionally when she was being lifted or another dog would get too close. Last night she whimpered all night. She could not seem to get comfortable, even when I held her.

She fell asleep in my arms in the car. I think that was the only sleep she got in the past 24 hours. I held her while she went to sleep for the last time. I know I did the right thing, but my heart is broken today and I am missing her sweet presence.

20 comments:

joanne said...

my heart aches for you and sweet Emmy Lou...she can rest easy now and so can you knowing that you gave her a wonderful life. take care.

Sandi McBride said...

having been through this with my furrbabies, my heart is with you. Our furrbabies are not LIKE a part of the family, they ARE part of the family. I've grieved for Digby, Duffy Mindylou and Ripley since their deaths...and the loss of our Ariel nearly killed me. How sweet for Emmy that you were holding her in your arms. Please know that I sincerely care. I hope you will take Emmy to the Rainbow bridge and use your blog post today as her tribute...
love
Sandi

Joanne Noragon said...

They are so hard to lose. Such a tribute. So many ears to clean in her new home.

Erik's RV Blog said...

It sounds like she had a great life with you guys. Great tribute to her, may she rest in peace.

Erik

ellen abbott said...

I know how terrible it to have to do the right thing and how much it hurts. So sorry.

Linda O'Connell said...

Your heartache is so intense. I hope you find comfort in your happy memories of your sweet girl. I am so sorry for your loss.

luksky said...

I am so sorry to hear that! (((Cyber Hugs))) It's so hard to lose a pet....

KT said...

I've been a "lurker" for a while now and love reading your blog. I'm so so sorry for your loss. Having lost my Golden six months ago, I feel your pain. Emmy was just lovely.

SkippyMom said...

Omgoodness Kathy. I am so, so, sorry. She is such a beauty and knew she is so loved.

I don't really know what else to say, you know I love my guys too - words just seem insufficient.

Please know I am sending you much love, hugs and dachsie kisses your way. Take care.

Val said...

Awww...it's hard to say goodbye.

Kathy G said...

It's always hard to say goodbye...

SJT said...

I remember when you got Emmy. I'm so sorry for you Kathy.

mamahasspoken said...

Oh I so feel your pain! It's funny how our furry children can come into our lives and take them over, including our hearts.
I'll be thinking of you.

squawmama said...

My heart is sad for you Kathy ~ she has gone over the Rainbow Bridge and is in doggie heaven happily playing. It is a sad thing losing a beloved pet....
{{{HUGS}}}
Donna

Teresa said...

my heart is sad for you. such a sad ending to a beautiful life. i have been through this myself more than i care to remember.

so glad you have such lovely pictures and memories.

Whitney Lee said...

I'm sorry. I'm sure it's tough on you all. My thoughts are with you.

Sextant said...

Losing a beloved pet can be as bad as losing a family member--well it is losing a family member. Our pets burrow into our hearts and they are family. Love is not speciated.

Take care of yourself in this bad time. Grief can be a most devastating emotion. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Emmy looks like such a sweet, sweet puppy. I am so sorry for your loss, breaks my heart, as I know yours is too.

Colette said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

labbie1 said...

Sorry I have been busy and not keeping up with my blogging. So sorry to hear that Emmy is gone. She was so sweet and will be missed!