Sarah Nell's Lasting Chapter

Sarah Nell was the best "man's dog" a guy could ask for. I've had the pleasure of writing many posts about her adventure. I hope you all enjoyed them. While I could write more on her time with me, I also recognize the need to conclude her story. Having been asked by many to write this chapter, I feel encouraged to do so.

The days leading up to Sarah Nell's passing were much like her days as healthy as ever. At least to me. I spent a great deal of time admiring her goofy frolicking, her ability to push away any woman in my life so that she could have me all to herself, and the need to take a bath in the electric water fountain. I saw these traits up until the day it was time for us to say goodbye.

Sarah Nell suffered from doggy cognitive disorder. Much like Alzheimer's in humans, she drifted off into space on many occasions. Upon moving up to North Carolina, her one good eye became worse. The damaging ear infections from the day I adopted her had taken their toll. She had become completely blind, def and unaware of her surroundings. Physically she was still as healthy as a horse. Mentally she quickly deteriorated.

She sat on the sofa while I was at work. Not knowing what else to do, she lay and wait for her master to faithfully come home. She still new my scent.

It wasn't as easy for me to recognize that suffering mentally is just as real as suffering physically. I loved her so much and still do today.

My Veterinarian suggested the ultimate suffering reliever. I could not nor did not want to admit to her failing. Sadly, I knew he was right. No amount of medical science and medicine could retrieve and restore her sanity.

I envisioned myself as her third owner. This time would be the charm. I also saw myself as her third male owner. The other two having past by heart failure or a tradgic accident. I still laugh at this thought today of her connection to men being an omen for their survival. I was gifted as the man who could make her last few years the best years of her life - a caretaker of sorts. In return, she gave me her world, her loyalty, and  her undying commitment of the bond between a man and his dog.

The days and weeks after Sarah Nell's passing were the hardest. I lost a close friend. I reminisced on each of our greatest memories together. Many of which I have written here. I carry to this day the memory of the day I rescued her to her crazy antics of spinning backwards onto the sofa during play time. I still feel my large 76 pound German Shorthaired Pointer sleeping in my arms while having the largest smile a guy could ever have on his face.

These things have given me a lasting impression towards my commitment of the relationship between we humans and our dogs. As I write this lasting chapter, I am accompanied by my next rescue, Josie - a 43 pound black Xoloitzcuintli Mexican Hairless. Like Sarah Nell, I continue with my commitment of rescuing animals. Like Sarah Nell, she is a Man's Dog. She is my dog. No one else can even get close to her.

Josie reminds me that while Sarah Nell can never be replaced, there are new lasting relationships that await in shelters, rescue groups and foster homes all across the world. I believe that, like Sarah Nell, Josie picked me. Like destiny, both Sarah Nell and Josie were meant for me. Separately, our lives would not be the same. Josie's life may not even be possible. Without Josie, my life could never be the same.

With this I humbly say to you: Color your world and theirs - adopt.