| Sofia 1997-2008
It has been many years since I've posted here. It's my regret that I'm here now for this reason - but I can think of no better place to memorialize Sofia than on the forum that was so instrumental in our early years together.
We lost Sofia to bloat last night. Despite rushing to the emergency vet as soon as I saw the signs, we were too late to save my girl. It progressed so fast, it was stunning. She walked to the car and I actually second-guessed myself, thought I was being overly cautious. By the time we were at the clinic, she had gone rapidly downhill.
I adopted Sofia from Michigan Rottweiler rescue in 1999. She was nominally housebroken and had the manners of an elephant. I was referred here by her foster family - and with the help of this forum and several wonderful trainers, we spent the next several years working in everything from obedience, to herding, to tracking. We were horrible at tracking, but we sure had fun.
Sofia inspired me in so many ways. She inspired me to be a responsible owner, to become involved in rescue, to become a better trainer and to take what she taught me and use it to title other dogs. I hope I learned her lessons well.
I could go on for days about my grief and the merits of my girl. But I'll limit it to this: Sofia never said no. In the too-short years we spent together, I cannot think of a time when she outright refused to do whatever I asked of her, no matter how hard.
I know that if I would have asked her to fight, to stay with me - and elected to do a surgery that she had only a slim chance of surviving, especially at her age - she would have tried her hardest. I chose not to ask more than she could give and let her go. It was the right decision but I am afraid I'll regret it for years to come.
She was my girl, my joy and I love her. She will be deeply, deeply missed.
Until we meet again, sweetheart.
Sofia, 1997-2008  |