I lost my best girl Katie on Tuesday. It's the hardest, saddest thing I've ever done.
I rescued Katie when I was in my San Diego condo when she was a year and a half. That was 11 years ago. Katie was with me almost 24/7 once I retired, and she was my constant companion, protector, mouser and traveling buddy for the last 7 years.
She was the best, I couldn't have asked for a better dog, especially being a full-time RVer.
Lots of you knew Katie, lots of you recognized me when we were walking from the photos of Katie posted on this blog. Many people stopped their vehicles and said," Is that Katie? You must be Barbara." And we made new friends on the spot. She wasn't much of a dog person, but loved people and had lots of good "people friends," - and a couple of special ones.
Over the years Katie developed various chronic health conditions, and I knew this day was coming. I thought about it, talked to a couple of people about it, but it wasn't something I could plan, I just couldn't plan it in advance. I woke up Tuesday morning and knew.
Katie had a good afternoon and even though she was on a restricted diet, I gave her cookies and boiled chicken, two of her favorites, and other treats. We took two walks on grass and smooth sidewalks, and she was a happy girl. I'm so glad she had a happy afternoon. Then at 4:00 we drove to the pet hospital.
Katie passed laying comfortably on a big fluffy blanket on the floor of the Comfort Room at Canyon Pet Hospital in Flagstaff, AZ. The room was comforting with low lights and a small faux fireplace burning away, very quiet - we had time to say goodbye. I was laying next to her, petting her and talking to her, telling her what a good girl she was and how much I loved her. She was asleep almost immediately after receiving the medication, which didn't hurt, thankfully. Then Dr. Karen gave her the final shot and she was gone.
I have to give my sincerest thank you to Dr. Karen and the entire staff there. They were so kind to Katie and me, so gentle with Katie. Katie wasn't even afraid to be there, usually she hates the vet, but their procedure at Canyon Pet Hospital was not like a vet visit. I am so grateful.
Here are some photos of my Sweet Baby Katie.
I know you're resting in peace, sweet Katie.
I love you. I miss you.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I am so so sorry for your loss of sweet Katie. They are so close to us, always right there. The hole they leave behind is huge and the ache in your heart is physical. Wishing you good memories as you grieve.
ReplyDeleteI'm sobbing like a big baby. I dreamed about you last night, and I didn't realize until now that Katie wasn't in the dream. She must still be traveling. Big love to you both.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read this post, and so sorry for your loss and sorrow. I'm glad you had so many good years full of wonderful memories with your sweet girl, and I hope they give you much comfort in the days ahead. Sending a big hug.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry, she will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for you! I have read your post for a long time and have enjoyed reading about Katie! She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I am so terribly, terribly sorry for the lost of your very best camping buddy. It is so difficult when we loose one of our furry friends. She will always remain with you in the wonderful memories you have of her.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you. I am so very sorry. We are getting closer and closer to that time with our pups and I'm not sure how my heart will survive. We all loved your Katie. She will be remembered always. Hugs and love from the Dixons.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences it is never easy but she no longer has any pain. It's been 2 years for me but i still mourn my Lucky.
ReplyDeleteSuch sadness. She was a love. RIP sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you Barbara. I have loved reading your blog for a long time and always enjoyed reading about Katy. Hugs to you as you go forward as I know first hand how much it hurts.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry, Barbara. I know that must have been difficult, but you don't want her to suffer. RIP, Katy.
ReplyDeleteI just want to cry. I'm so sorry for your lost.
ReplyDeleteForever in your heart. Our hearts too.
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ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. love.light.peace. K~
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Katie.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear and I feel your pain. I loved reading about her and seeing her photos. She was a great "RVer".
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you, Barbara. May your sweet memories and lovely photos of sweet Katie give you comfort.
ReplyDeleteEileen
So sorry for your loss and so glad that we met her and you over the .years Loosing a pet/ family member is never easy, our prayers are with you through these hard times.
ReplyDeleteTears for your loss. I always loved reading about Katie's adventures. May you be comforted by the memories of the great life she had with you.
ReplyDeleteI cried along with others when I read this post. She was a sweetheart. We’ll miss her right along with you, Barbara. Take care...you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. What a comforting vet hospital.
ReplyDelete😢
ReplyDeleteSorry to read of your loss. You both seemed to click together but like you said she was suffering near the end. Our prayers for you both.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry for your loss. As much as it hurts our hearts you made the best decision for her. You have many years and wonderful memories of sweet Katie. Becki
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh Barbara, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteBarbara I am so sorry to hear about your Katie. I know how much you will miss her. Jean
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss of your best buddy. So very tough to lose a loved one.
ReplyDeleteDon in Okla.
So very sorry for your loss . What wonderful pictures of a beautiful girl .
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of the sad news. You gave her a life most dogs would dream of, travelling to good sniffing places and meeting new friends! Sad nonetheless to say goodbye to your faithful and loving pet. Hugs
ReplyDeleteBarb..so very sorry you lost your buddy and traveling companion. Will be hard and lonely for you for quite a while but she will always be with you in your heart.
ReplyDeleteRIP Kathie.
ReplyDeleteIm so sorry for your loss.Katie was the best and an international superstar! I loved following her exploits here in the uk. A very special little soul,and Im a cat person!Im so glad you shared her with us, your readers,she made a difference.Sending tons of love to you xxxx
ReplyDeletewatching oh I’m so so sorry! It’s heart breaking to lose our furry family. Your girl will be watching over you now, and you’ll see her again one day. My deepest condolences to you.
ReplyDeleteNina
OH my, such sad news. I know how empty your house is right now. What a blessing, though, to have had such a fine pal to ride shotgun for you. Such cute photos of your little darlin' gal. Run free, sweet Katie.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I'm so very sorry and sad to hear of Katie's passing. I'm sure posting the pictures was hard because seeing them through blurred eyes was for me. I didn't know Katie well but all I can think of is losing a best friend. She was such the perfect companion for you and I sincerely feel your loss. That day is coming for us too and it won't be easy. RIP, Katie.
ReplyDeleteKatie was so lucky to have you for a doggie mama! You took such good care of her. I always enjoyed reading about your traveling experiences. The photos of Katie are so precious - what a sweetie pie! Sending you love and hugs from PA!!
ReplyDeleteSo sad...
ReplyDeleteSorry to read of this. Always tough to part with a pet, especially such a good girl as Katie. You gave her a good home.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this. Katie was such a lucky girl to have you give her a home and love her so much. It hurts like nothing else. Big hugs and love to you.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss, Katie was the best companion and camping girl.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear of Katie's passing, but hope you take comfort in knowing you performed that last act of love for her. What a life that little girl had! She was well loved and shared so many adventures with you!
ReplyDeleteThis breaks my heart. Our pets are such an important part of our life. What a hole they leave. I hope that you find some peace in your heart because I know the ache is huge. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI feel badly for you for our heart breaks when we lose someone we love, and a pet we love. Please know I prayed. Blessings... Lynn (your fellow blogger)
ReplyDeleteOh my heart just breaks for you!! I knew Katie only through your blog but I could feel the closeness and love you two had for each other. Katie was loved by so many and I know you will cherish all the memories you made together. Sending love and hugs from Mike and Gerri
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. My daughter's dog was 12 when his quality of life led her to the same decision. I haven't been there, but I know it must be heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteI've followed along for a while now and feel as though I've known you and Katie from a distance...and I am sad. My heart goes out to you. May you soon feel a little less pain and a bit more comfort...
ReplyDeleteCindy CF
I'm going to cry after I post this. Having to do the same with my last two "best friends", I understand what you are going through and it makes my heart ache. Katie will always be with you, just that she's on the "other side" still watching over you.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. She was your girl and will always have a special place in your heart. I truly know how difficult this is for you, most especially being in the RV without her. Special hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes, i have learned, you just know.... So very sad to hear this... I never met either of you and this surely made me sad and crying.... Wish there was something soothing i could impart that was full of wisdom and grace....
ReplyDeleteAm thinking of you and wish you the very, very best....
My heart goes out to you.💔
ReplyDeleteSending you heartfelt sympathy. I always felt that your Katie
had a wonderful life. You truly were her rescuer!
So very sorry to read this. Katie was one of our favorite RVing dogs. We know you will miss her horribly but it sounds like you found a wonderful vet to make the ending easier.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been following you two since before you left your condo , and later recognizing you and Katie at Santee Lakes so many years ago. Katie sure was loved. I wish you the best going forward.
ReplyDeleteTyping between the tears. I am sorry Barb, I know how it hurts. Be well and carry all those happy memories with you. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI wish I hadn't read this at work :( I'm so sorry for your loss of little Katie.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to read about your little Katie. I think losing one's beloved pet and best friend is one of the hardest things. Our treasured friends may be physically gone but they will live in our hearts and minds forever. All the best to you Barb in this time of sadness for you.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad Barbara, I too know that day will come with Skruffy...nearly happened two years ago...don't know how you are surviving it....
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to your sweet girl. Love & hugs to you. Thank you, Katie for the joy you gave to your mama and her readers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Barbara . . . I don't know what to say. It is so very hard to lose one's pet. I've done it far too many times, and my heart aches for you. My biggest losses were ca. 1980, and they are still with me. I was thrilled to have been accepted by Katie on our very first visit! She was a joy!!!
ReplyDeleteVirtual hugs,
Judie
Barbara, my deepest sympathy for your loss of Katie girl. Hope your treasured memories with her comfort you. Thank you for sharing in your blog. I look forward to reading each of your post. Hope you are doing well. Nice to hear of your NM residency. Sincerely, Renee
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ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet Katie, you were so loved by many blog followers. Having just gone through this myself, a couple of months ago , I can feel your pain. My vet sent a card signed by all the caregivers and included was this poem. Somehow it gave me comfort, hope it does that same for you.
ReplyDeleteUntil We Meet in Heaven
All good things
Must come to an end,
And today I said goodbye
To my very best friend.
The house will seem so still,
Now that he's gone.
There'll be no one to wake me up
To go outside at dawn.
His bowls will sit there empty,
But I'll leave them in their place.
No more will water drip down
From his thirsty, furry face.
There'll be no one to bark
When the paper boy comes by.
It's going to be one of those moments
When I'm sure I'll want to cry.
But I know the day will come,
When my tears will finally fade,
And I'll focus on the good times,
and all the fetch we played.
So until the day that we
Can be together once again,
I'll keep your memory alive
'Til we meet in Heaven, my friend.
That’s beautiful, Harriet. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has had dogs most of my life and currently have three chihuahuas, I know how difficult the parting is when your canine companion must cross the rainbow bridge. I hope that at some point in the future you will be able to adopt another dog for companionship and the unrequited love they provide.
ReplyDeleteI have a teary eyes while I'm reading this post, maybe because I really relate to your article. My beloved Argo passed away last month and he is my 1st pet and until now its very difficult to us to move on and every time we saw a pet we remember him. Thank you also to pet cremation houston for helping us to our worst part of our lives. I miss you my baby Argo! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh no ! So sad! Our pets are our children and we've all become attached to Katie. We know exactly what you're going through having lost Duchess a few years back. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDelete7/21/2018: Please do an update, Barb, and let us know how you’re doing. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh Barbara. I'm so so so sorry. Katie was a wonderful and cute and beautiful little girl and you will miss her mightily. I'm sorry I'm late in my condolences. I know each day has been so difficult. Please let us know, when you're ready, how you're doing.
ReplyDeleteIts very sad, but Katie had a wonderful life, full of adventures with you.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to read this. She was your girl and will always have a special place in your heart.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.abkgrooming.com/collections/grooming-tools
My heart breaks for you Barbara!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, I hope you feel better now :)
ReplyDeleteI'm behind on reading blogs and yours was the second one in a row about the loss of a dog. I am so very sorry. It never gets any easier to lose a pet. I know you'll miss her terribly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteBarb, how are you doing without Katie? I keep thinking of you and looking for a new post telling us how you are filling your days. Hope your memories of sweet Katie are bringing you joy.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this ... dear sweet Katie... I remember her pictures of squinting her eyes it was so funny... But it is a sad moment when we have to do this for our best buddy... I know exactly what you went through I did the same with my Maggie.... prayers for you....
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