Sofia 1997-2008

[bliss7373]

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

[bessy-senior]

That was such a beautiful tribute to your girl. She's in a better place now, running with the wind. God bless you.

[Jaidann]

Deeply, deeply sorry for your loss. She sounds wonderful!

RIP sweet Sofia.

[kerry]

I'm so sorry...(Thank-you.thank-you.thank-you for adopting a rescue!!...it is not for the faint of heart.....)You did the right thing by allowing her a dignified exit...The most selfless move a person can make and a testament to the love and respect you both shared...You gave her the dignity in death that she had in her life and there simply is no greater act of love......Please don't regret that...
Wishing peace to you during these first brutal days...Fly free Sofia!!!

[Shane]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I made a similar decision for my 11 year old Doberman in September and I know you can't stop yourself from second guessing, but I think you made the right decision. It's so much clearer to those of us when it's not our own dog.

It's obvious that you two had an exceptional relationship.

[abbiesdogs]

Im so sorry for your loss, I lost 3 dobermans with bloat, zeb was 12, ben just 6 and holly 8 (she was in boarding kennels and died over night. and i still cant forgive myself for going away) you have no time to prepare for the grief that follows because it kills in a few hours. im in tears as i write this as i know exactly how your feeling right now.
sending lots of hugs.abbie

RIP Sofia

[missingmarley]

I am so sorry. Hard as it is, you know you did the right thing.

She does sound wonderful, and so do you - Sofia was a lucky dog.

[AngelBunny]

I am so sorry for your loss, so very sorry.

[Karyn]

I am so very sorry for your loss - but you have your memories and all the things she taught you.. you keep those with you. They just don't live long enough - but even if they lived longer, it would still be hard. Sophia means "wisdom" and that is what she gave you. Fly with the angels Sophia.

[lgslgs]

She sounds like quite a girl.

Rest easy, Miss Sofia.



Lynda

[bliss7373]

Thank you all for your kind words. It does help to know there are others out there who understand Sofia wasn't "just" a dog.

[harleychik66]

I am so very sorry for your loss. It sounds as if you and Sofia had a wonderful 11 years together. It is just heartbreaking when we lose them. RIP Sofia.

[Lola B Marie]

I am so very sorry about the loss of your precious girl. Please, Please don't second guess your decision. I did just the opposite. My girl was 10 when I allowed a very highly recommended vet operate on her. She had bloat issues and died under the knife. They just can't go through the surgery when they are older and already compromised. I wish I had followed my head instead of my heart. You were brave and put your dog's comfort first.
RIP sweet girl

[Weltterr]

Thank you for rescuing Sophie, and taking such good care of her. At the end, you did the loving thing by not asking her for more than she could give. She was a wonderful teacher dog to you, and I think she will be with you forever in how you deal with other dogs in your life.

[TrinaJ]

I am so very sorry for your loss, she sounded like a very speical girl.

Sophia, may you RIP and fly high with the angels


~*hugs*~

Trina