Thursday, June 26, 2014

Bon Voyage Sedona

I have had purebred animals and rescue animals, and my favorites have been rescues.  Purebreds are beautiful and if you are into breed competitions, well, you have to go that route.  But for all around ranch animals you can't beat a rescue dog.  In my experience they are hardy and healthy, maybe from surviving on the street.  They also bring a happiness, a love of life, and a devotion that can't be surpassed.  Sedona was all those things.

When Brett and I were first married in 2000, and living in the suburbs, we had a Weimeraner.  She was a beautiful dog, very sweet, but not healthy.  We lost her when she was only two years old, just after we moved into our home at Aspen Meadows.  Brett was devastated.  I started campaigning for a new dog almost immediately but Brett said he just wasn't ready.   A few months later, on my birthday, he called me at work.  This was before he retired from the city police department.  He called to tell me that animal control had picked up a yellow dog.  He suggested I come over to the PD on my lunch and take a look.  Sure enough, there was a yellow dog, about knee high, tied with a long rope to a post by the back parking lot.  She was found roaming the city streets with a threadbare and dirty collar. No tags. When the dog saw me, it squeaked like a tea kettle and dropped to the ground, rolling onto her back in submission.  I spoke to her softly and she showered me with affection, sitting on my feet and continuing with the tea kettle squeaking.  It was my birthday and she was a wonderful gift.

After she was neutered and ready to be released to us, I took her into our vet for a check up.  I was told that she was about eight months old and most likely a mix of kuvasz (say what?) and something else.  I was warned that she would be large.  No kidding.  Sedona grew and grew and grew.  Kuvasz are Hungarian wolfhounds and huge.  We think she also had some German shephard in the mix. 

She never stopped squeaking when she was excited and she always sat on my feet.  She would also wrap her paw around my legs in a hug. 

Sedona was close to twelve years old when we lost her today.  She was my favorite dog ever.  EVER.

She loved Kyle and Camille and kept watch over them when they were small.

She loved the snow.  She would walk through a creek full of freezing water on a snowy day and not flinch.



She loved Kersey.



She loved chasing squirrels, birds and the cat.  She was a working dog and she took her job of policing the property seriously.


Even at the end, when she couldn't walk and wouldn't eat, she had her head up watching her property.

She was very, sweet and welcoming with friends and family.

She was a ranch dog through and through.  She tolerated being in the house but she much preferred to be outside; particularly when it was cold.

It was hard to let her go this afternoon but it was time.  We cradled and caressed her as she peacefully slipped away.  Godspeed Sedona.


25 comments:

  1. What a great dog!! So sorry for the loss but glad you had so many years with her.

    She's at the Bridge awaiting your return.

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  2. Annette and Brett. So sorry about Sedona, such a sweet girl. You gave her a good life and I'm sure she will be missed by all of you...including Kersey. The photos are beautiful.

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  3. A lovely tribute to a wonderful friend...Goodbye sweet Sedona. Annette and Brett so sorry for your loss and sadness..

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute - I hope the good memories help.

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  5. Oh I am so sorry Annette and Brent Sedona was truly a gift and you gave her a wonderful life. Hugs B

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  6. This is a lovely tribute to Sedona. I'm sure all of us who follow you have had to make this decision at some time. It always leaves a big gap in our lives.
    Thinking of you and your beautiful Sedona today.

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  7. the sweetest girl... bless you as you grieve. i know that pain too well.

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  8. What a beautiful tribute.. I'm so sorry for your loss! She was so lucky to have you as her family.

    You are in my thoughts.

    Jamie

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  9. Annette and Brett, I'm so sorry... I just went through this a month ago, and I know how it hurts your hearts. Sedona was a wonderful girl!

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  10. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Sedona.

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  11. Such a sweet, sweet dog... she loved you all so much. 12 is a grand age for such a large dog, you took such great care of her, right up to letting her go when she was ready.

    Hugs to you all, I've known how you feel. Lee Anna

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  12. It's so hard to let go of our "♥heart♥" dogs. Sounds like she blessed you with many happy and loving years in return for your kindness in giving her a loving home so many years ago. Enjoy your many memories of her.

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  13. I'm so, so sorry. I lost my dog of twelve years back in February so I feel your pain. It is so hard to let them go, but you did the right thing. I worried that I hadn't done the right thing when I made the decision to let her go, but it would have been selfish of me to prolong her life when she was in pain and no longer enjoying her life. It was my responsibility to release her from that. I'm so sorry Sedona is gone. She was a beautiful dog and it sounds like she was such a sweetheart.

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  14. So sorry to read this. They never stay with us long enough. I hope it will help that you will have memories of Sedona attached to your new home. You'll catch glimmers of her still. Run free Sedona!

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  15. We never have them long enough...
    So sorry for your loss. A beautiful tribute to a sweet soul. (((hugs)))

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  16. that was beautiful tribute. Sedona was a beautiful and much loved dog. You guys were very lucky to find each other. ((hugs))

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  17. Happy trails, Sedona. What wonderful memories you have left behind.

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  18. What a sweet girl. I'm sorry for your loss.

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  19. I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was a great dog, and you have said goodbye with an amazing post.

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  20. Sending lots of love on this sad day <3 what a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart. Sigh. You' e certainly had a lot of loss this year...big hug to all of you, and a special one for Kersey <3

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  21. :(

    Its the year for the great ones to go , isnt it...

    xoxo

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  22. Oh Annette, you are so incredibly strong to be able to write a post like this. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and will really miss her on your blog. My heart goes out to you.

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  23. I had been watching out for Sedona for a while and worried about her back then. But I lost track when all the stuff happened here. I am so sorry for your loss but so glad this wonderful big and so loving dog found you and such a good home. I hope Kersey is doing OK.

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Thanks so much for commenting!