May the stars carry your sadness away,
May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,
May hope forever wipe away your tears,
And above all, may silence make you strong.
–Chief Dan George
My beautiful, kind and sweet girl, Lakota.
My sweet Lakota is 12 years old this year. She has changed my life and brought me more happiness than words can express. Without fail, she has ALWAYS been there for me – In happy times and in sad. You will always find her right at my side.The years have aged my girl and in the past year or two, she has definitely slowed down.
My heart has been slowly breaking the past year, as I’ve seen things become more difficult for her. Recently, she’s seemed to be struggling a bit more. Being 12 years old, I know she is nearing the end of her days so I don’t feel it’s necessary to put her through a multitude of expensive tests that will tell me what I already know – Lakota will be crossing over soon.
This past weekend was particularly hard for her so I spent a good bit of time with her. She has given me and my family 12 incredible years and I know I must do the right thing for her when her struggle becomes too much. I don’t think I will ever be ready to say goodbye to her but I know the time is coming when I must.
I love you sweet girl, more than you will ever know.
Black Wolf's Song 
awww… My eyes are filled with tears with you Sagekatri as I type this to you.. Lakota is a beautiful Spirit, and a beautiful friend, that my friend she will remain,.. I know how hard it is to part with a wonderful companion and loyal friend..
My only comfort to you is that their spirits too live on and she will look over you and yours often and be that waiting for you..
I have brought so many dogs and cats back to be reunited with their owners who were overjoyed to learn they were still around them, as I was able to discribe them around their former owners..
I will be saying a prayer for Lakota, and for all of you, and beating my Drum to send out to those who will greet her on the otherside and make her feel at home..
Love to you and Blessings~Sue xx
Thank you so much. It is so hard to know her time is coming but I am so grateful for all the years we’ve been together. It is comforting to know she will stay with me in Spirit. Thank you!
I was so happy last night and this morning. She was happy and didn’t seem to be struggling so much. My friend is a vet and she has explained there will be good days and bad days as this degenerative disease progresses. I am just going to love her and be with her as much as I can and take things a day at a time.
Thank you for your kind words.
My friend that is all any of us can do, take one day at a time…. I am happy she has had a better day… its hard to see our animals suffering… I had to make that painful choice with two of my cats but they had given me lots of love over the years One was 21 yrs old the other we’d had for 7 yrs but she was 14 was a rescue cat whose elderly owner had passed away, we still see their presence even my children have seen them in turn walking in our hall way.. a place one loved to get down in the sun..
They usually make their presence felt if one of the family needs an uplift! as they bring in their healing qualities still…
Love to you and yours xxx Sue
Sorry Shell. I’m not looking forward to that time with my guys either. Just enjoy the time while you have it. No sense focusing on the inevitable. None of us are getting out of this alive.
I hear you. But it doesn’t make the pain any less. I hate to see her sad. But I am trying to just enjoy our days together. Thanks.
Oh, I can SO relate to this post and getting teary eyed as I write this. My girl is getting up there in age (10 years) and she has been with us through everything! I know she is getting older and slowing down and I can’t even begin to think of our house without her.
There is truly no greater bond between a dog and its owner. Enjoy these days with her!
Thanks, Jen. There is definitely nothing easy about it. Miss you and hope you are well! Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts here.