Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Mandy

One year ago tomorrow, my dog Mandy was struck on the highway and killed.  I've seen a lot of pets die over the years, but for some reason, losing Mandy was traumatic to me.   I still don't let myself think about her for too long at a time, or grief overtakes me all over again.

Now, my dog Sadie has to pay the price.  I seldom let her off the leash for fear she will suffer the same fate as Mandy.  She is the first dog I've ever had who never gets turned loose outside, unless we're back in the pasture away from the distractions of other dogs, or children.

The picture below is the last ever taken of Mandy.




"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through.

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.

I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you."



15 comments:

Anonymous said...

The pictures are lovely.  I had not seen the puppy pictures.  I'm glad you included the one of her and the girls on the hay.  It's one of my favorites.  Sometimes when I see pictures of Sadie it gives me a pang of missing Mandy too.  I love dogs but yours are the only ones in mylife at the moment.  My heart goes out to you.  She was GREAT.  You can see that even in cyberspace.


Anonymous said...

P.S.  the song brought tears but was very fitting for this tribute.

Anonymous said...

I know tomorrow will be a sad day for you, I remember several of the pictures, I remember especially the one of her on the hay with the girls.I haven't seen the baby pictures of her or the one with the white horse before which is a beautiful picture. Losing a pet can be heartbreaking. Almost like losing a family member. You are thinking several times a day things they did. Bet you can see several things in Sadie that Mandy did. There are several things our Patches does that brings back memories of our Jake. Your poem is beautiful. Helen

Anonymous said...

I know you still miss here and the first year anniversary will be tough.  Special pets are just that, special, and even after they are gone, they remain that way.  Thoughts are with you as you remember Mandy.  She really was a cutie!

Anonymous said...

I love that song.  It is nice to think that someday we will see all our beloved pets and people too.  I'm glad you have Sadie now and that along with the precious memories helps a little when we love those we love.  I too keep my dog leashed and or on a line on a stake in the back yard.  He loves running loose, but can ony do that when we visit one of my babes that have a fenced in yard.  He can also run circles around me when we go for a walk.  We do love our pets. 'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

She was a beautiful dog.  I didn't recall the baby pics. She was a charmer from day one!  So cute!  
I hope the day isn't too bad for you.  
Pam

Anonymous said...

I recall that day well. :( So sad.
She was indeed a beauty! God give you peace, & and He gave you sweet little Sadie to help ease the pain, altho it will never go completely away. She lives in your memories!
Hugs, Sugar

Anonymous said...

wow....the girls and Sadie look like they are having fun....and well I think I would be like you....keep Sadie on short leash...she is a sweetie for sure....hugs to ya...Ora

Anonymous said...

A fitting tribute to Mandy. I know how you feel, my heart is still healing over my family's loss of our dog Lucy (almost two years ago).
June

Anonymous said...

I know how much it hurt. The tears came up as soon as I saw Mandy's name. I felt like I knew her personally thru you. It has been a long time since I have lost a beloved pet but that day is coming soon for me with Sebastian. I am thankful he has had a long life. I know that is what you want for Sadie, that is why you are so protective of her.

Anonymous said...

Mandy is a beautiful dog.

oh my! I love that hay bale picture. Are those your grandaughters w/ Mandy?

((hugs)) I bet Sadie understands your worrys.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mosie,
Mandy was a beautiful dog...and I loved the pictures you put in here of her...I know you miss her and call me crazy...but I believe that we will also see our beloved pets that we have lost again one day...I don't blame you for being extra concerned about Sadies wellfare...She is also a sweet pup (and smart too!) and i am sure makes good company on trips to your cabin.
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe it's been a year.  I also kinda forgot how pretty she was.  Oh, and that picture on the hay bale REALLY shows off Natalie's crooked arm, doesn't it?  LOL  Battle wounds.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet tribute to Mandy. These pictures of her are so precious.  I understand exactly how you feel as I lost my Sparky almost two years ago and I miss him still. I am thankful that you have Sadie and I know you watch her closely.Sadie is a sweetie too. It is hard when we lose our pets . They are like family to us. Sweet memories. I am thinking of you, my friend.

Love,
       Jctopaz55

Anonymous said...

I think it's wonderful your tribute to Mandy :) I understand the pain that is left, the sorrow that lingers & the questions (at least for myself) of what could I have done differently or better to prevent the loss... I lost "Sebastian" 2 years ago this April 12th... he was 17 years old, a miniature schnauzer, such a wonderful old man he passed from congestive heart failure and even tho I realize I did everything I could I still get extremely sad and cry even now about his being gone.  He isn't the only pet I've lost that I mourn for still "Madison" a great dane... "Baby Doodles" and "Frisco" both were cats I lost to feline leukemia causes (severe anemia in one and diabetes in the other).  In my belief...there is a place called "The Summerland" that we pass to when we leave this body (animals and humans both) and to me Sebastian is over in the Summerland in a young, buff body, chasing kites on the beach and barking at the waves of the ocean...and chasing butterflies... I will always see him that way as it was his favorite thing to do.  He loved kites so much... Blessings, Teresa
(sorry about the length of the comment)