This past weekend I had the extreme pleasure of hosting the WordCamp Dallas event. I got to see a lot of people I met last year, as well as plenty of new faces. And it was a wonderful experience! Unfortunately, this weekend was also marred by a silent struggle in our family as we were forced to watch one of our two beloved dogs suffer the agony associated with the end of a prolonged battle with kidney failure.
Sandy was a Greyhound mix who we adopted more than ten years ago. My wife and I were walking through the mall on a Saturday afternoon, and the SPCA had a small booth with a few dogs who needed a home. When I spotted Sandy laying on the floor I thought she was an absolutely beautiful dog. I walked over and knelt down to pet her, and when she saw me she stood up, stepped toward me and put her head right up to my chest as if she knew and trusted me all her life.
We weren’t planning on adding to our family that day, but she was so irresistible that I fell in love with her instantly! So we adopted her on the spot and took her home to meet her new sister Lexi.
Over the past decade, Sandy and Lexi have become inseparable. Neither wants to be without the other, not even to go outside. They have both been our constant companions, and they love us more than I believe any human ever could. Their love is unconditional, immeasurable, and absolutely unwavering. Not a day has gone by when I didn’t open the door to find them both waiting to greet me. Looking up at me with those big black eyes and their wagging tails. In essence, dogs are everything we wish humans could be.
Oh… she was mischievous. We couldn’t leave important papers, socks, or a great many other things laying around within her reach because she loved to chew them up or hide them. And she would eat absolutely anything! If you were willing to put it in your mouth, so was she. Vegetables, fruits, candy, popcorn, whatever… it was all good to her!
But she also had a sweet side. She was one of those rare dogs that everyone seemed to fall in love with instantly. She was soft, sleek and beautiful, and she loved to be touched. In fact, just a single finger touching her was enough to keep her happy. And as long as there were people around, there was never a shortage of love.
Sandy held a special place in my heart which will never be replaced or repaired. I am going to miss her more than I could ever express.
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My condolences on your loss, John. Both my wife and I have lost pets to kidney failure in the last few years.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Love the photos – lots of happy times to remember.
John – words cannot even express how much I feel for you, Holly, and Lexi. I know what it’s like losing a
dogmember of the family and it never gets easier. Sandy was one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. If you need anything at all, you know how to reach me.Sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my first dog last year, she had a long struggle with cancer. I will never forget coming home from school and having my dog jump up and into my arms, possibly the best gift I ever received.
I’m really gonna miss this dog!
So sorry about Sandy, John. Dogs are the best people on the planet and we’ll miss her.
I’m so sorry for your loss, John. I remember Sandy very well, she was a great dog, even to just meet for a short while. My thoughts are with you, Holly and Lexi.
Such a wonderful tribute, John. My condolences go out to you and other members of your family. Thank you for sharing.
So sorry to hear the news…she was a great dog.
You made me think of my dog, who has been gone for 15 years…thanks, always puts a smile on my face.
our thoughts are with you and holly tonight… i remember when you two brought sandy home years ago… she was mischievous and posed a real danger to our family’s socks! however, over the years she became an integral part of the pozadzides family. we will miss her head on our laps and how she could not relax without touching someone she loved…
jenny and i will miss her greatly…
Thanks to everyone for your well wishes. Holly and I are heartbroken, as you can well imagine. Lexi seems to be taking the loss better than we are. Animals are so amazing. It’s as if she knew what was happening the whole time, understood, and was prepared.
These types of events are definitely the worst times in life. But they do have a way of refocusing our attention on the things we do still have and make us appreciate them even more. Like, for example, people who care about us.
Thanks once again,
John
John and Holly – I’m so very sorry to hear that Sandy has gone on to her next adventure – my heart just breaks for both of you!!! I love what Neal said, “dogs are the best people on earth” – so true, so true. My thoughts are with ya’ll during this sad time.
I hate kidney disease in pets. Last December we lost Draggin’ after a year and a half of battling that scourge of a disease. So believe me that I know your pain and wish you guys the best.
Hang in there, mate.
Beautiful picture. My condolences on your loss.
May his soul rest in peace. Man is very attached to their pets indeed.
I know how hard it is to lose a friend like that. Kat and I had a cocker spaniel shortly after we got married. We had him for about 5 years. He developed chronic ear infections that eventually began working their way to his brain. I had to put him down and that was the hardest day of my life.
Kat and I are sad with you guys but just remember all the rabbit chasing in the back. She was a sweet gal. Don’t try to replace the place in your heart she has, just find another spot for the next puppy… :)
Praying for you guys.
-dave
What a beautiful companion, John. With all the crap that occurs between us humans, it is a great respite to enjoy the unwavering love of our dogs. Sorry for the loss of Sandy.
I’m sorry to hear about Sandy. I can understand your sadness. It is hard for you to spend days without Sandy.
I am so sorry for your loss… it brings a tear to my eye as I hug my little Taco (lab retriever) (and not so little anymore – 6) and I can’t help but think about our pets and the short time there with us, and leave an everlasting impression on our lives. I guess the joy and memories they bring to us and we bring to them make it worth while every time. RIP Sandy…
John, I’m sorry for your loss. Great photos—many happy memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. Pets can hold a very special place in our hearts and our lives. From these photos, it is evident that Sandy was a big part of your lives.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sandy sounded like a wonderful dog, and I know she will always be a big part of your lives. I had to put my dog down last year, he was with me the entire time I grew up. He lived to be 16 years old, I will always miss him. Thank you for sharing these pictures, it is nice to have so many happy memories of your time together.
That was a moving eulogy….my sincerest condolences to you, John. The total love & adoration one can get from a dog is truly special, and I wish for you to soon find another fluffy bundle of joy to warm your life.
Oh John, I am so sorry. Holly and Karen were talking about Sandy at the WordCamp, but I never approached you to give you a hug about it – you were experiencing such momentum, and I didn’t want to disrupt it.
My condolences are with you and your family; it’s so hard to come around the corner and not see the pet that you expected to see. I would also like to commend you for all the work that you and Holly did to make Sandy’s life so long, comfortable and stable against all odds. Please let me know if you need anything.
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