End of an era

Shassi is not long for this world.  I was talking with Mom tonight and we agreed that it’s pretty clear that it’s time for us to do our duty towards her.  She is on autopilot; there is no personality anymore and Mom says it hurts her to look at Shassi when she remembers the vibrant little dog she used to be. We’re going to schedule it for the 21st, if we can.

She’s been there for half my life, over 15 years.

14 Comments

  1. I know this must have been a hard decision to come too. Enjoy the time you have left together.

  2. The right decision. Take wads of kleenex. It’s never easy.

  3. I’m so sorry.
    We are so blessed to take care of them and love them and receive their love in return. We know going into it that they won’t be w/ us forever. All we can hope for is that they are as rewarded by our companionship and we are by theirs. It’s a special thing to be a Shiba mom. I hope you can find some comfort in that. Bless you.

  4. Today I found myself thinking, hmm. How is stat shiba Shassi doing that I have read about. Shassi is good example of shiba, stories of her have helped me prepare before my own. 15 years is long time for a dog but not long enough for us humans.

  5. I am sorry to hear this. It’s a tough call to make. Sending you and yours my best. Shassi is a wonderful and beautiful shiba. She will be missed.

  6. As was stated earlier, take plenty of Kleenex. There are no words that can alleviate your pain or help you feel better about the loss of a friend of 15 years.

    Her memory lives on with all of us, as she inspired each of us to encourage our Shibas to live to her standard.

    The world will be grieving with you.

  7. I’m not over exaggerating to say that Shassi and your stories taught me so much about how to handle and love my shibas. Thanks to you for sharing her with us. She will be missed by more people than you could ever know.

  8. We lost our Shiba to cancer-this poem helped us heal.

    When the Time comes

    If it should be that I grow frail and weak
    And pain should keep me from my sleep,
    Then will you do what must be done,
    For this -the last battle-can’t be won.

    You will be sad I understand,
    But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
    For on this day, more than the rest,
    Your love and friendship must stand the test.

    We have had so many happy years,
    You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
    When the time comes, please, let me go.

    Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
    Only, stay with me till the end
    And hold me firm and speak to me
    Until my eyes no longer see.

    I know in time you will agree
    It is a kindness you do to me.
    Although my tail its last has waved,
    From pain and suffering I have been saved.

    Don’t grieve that it must be you
    Who has to decide this thing to do;
    We’ve been so close -we two-these years,
    Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

    Author Unknown

  9. thank you for sharing with us the love and devotion that you have had for Shassi over the years. your love for this dog serves as a reminder for me that i should love my little shiba pup more because she will provide me with the years of comfort and companionship that Shassi has provided you. we will pray for you both and keep Shassi on our minds. =)

    Annie & Shirokuma

  10. Echoing what everyone has said so far..

    Truly Shassi is the greatest. She proudly showed what a true Shiba is like and with that, has educated so many.

    Thank you, Dear Shassi.. So many love and will miss you.

    I know this decision doesn’t come easy.. but it does come from love. thank you so much for sharing her.. You were blessed to have her and she was blessed to have someone who understood her and loved her so much.

  11. Shibas are truely God’s gift to us. As a Shiba mom (Jeni, red & creme, age 6), I have been through the loss of Jeni’s mate, Iceman, from a heart attack just before he turned three. I gieved for a LONG time before I remembered that he was sent as a gift, not to keep, but as a companion for a while on this earth. The Rainbow Bridge is real and we will all meet again someday. I know that 15 years seems too short. You will grieve, but realize that the grief is an example of the love you had together. We are so sorry for your loss. Deb & Jeni

  12. I know it’s not easy to come to this decision. There’s not a day that I don’t miss my past Shibas. We truly are lucky to have them in our lives and are blessed for their companionship. We will miss you dear Shassi…

    Masako & Winnie

  13. Pingback: Shassi – Sunojo’s Aka Shasta C.G.C. August 23, 1997 – January 6, 2010 | The Misanthropic Shiba

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