I received news today about my dear Sofi! Sofi is my yellow lab that lived with me for over 10 years. She is about 16 years old and currently living with my friend, Lauren. Lauren was my caregiver in Florida.
Lauren sent me a message that she believes it is time to let Sofi go- and cross the Rainbow Bridge. I am devastated. She has lived a great life and I am so fortunate that Lauren was able to take her when I moved back to Myrtle Beach.
Sofi was an amazing dog who was beyond spoiled, especially by my dad. Her favorite thing was to share a publix banana pudding treat. She always knew she was going to be able to lick the final product.
As a puppy, and young dog she was living with my brother and his five kids. She became an escape artist and had the entire neighborhood chance after her. She loved breaking free from the house and running the sidewalks of Carolina Forrest. She loved swimming in the pool and chasing the kids when they ran in and out of the pool.
When it came time for my brother to sell his house, the kids begged me to take Sofi with me to the apartment. She was totally unprepared for this adjustment and it was hard on both of us. She didn’t know how to walk on a leash, but learned quickly with the support of a e-collar, which I hated to use, but got the job done. Then my health got so bad that I needed to quit work and file for disability benefits. This brought me to moving in with my parents.
She loved “retirement.” We went for a walk around 2pm each day and then jumped into the pool. This occurred until i was too hard for me and her to get in and out of the pool. I decided to have some fun and got her all sort of accessories for different holidays. She was amazing at this time. I was often running to the hospital and utilizing the ambulance. She never ceased to amaze me. Sometimes I had to put her in her “room” and she fought it, unless I told her that I was going to the hospital, then she got right into her room and never made a peep. I know her last years were filled with love from Lauren’s family and lots of sleeping.
So, Monday morning, Lauren is going to bring her to the vet that I loved so much and hopefully I will be able to FaceTime with her and order some memorial items. She was my first love and true responsibility as an adult. I learned how to bring a dog to the vet and get necessary care.
I knew this day was coming. I feel like it is a necessary step in clearing things out in order to receive/befriend a service dog. I wish the dogs could have met, but that isn’t going to happen.
In the meantime, please keep me in your prayers for this difficult time and for all the help from my friends- Lauren and Maria.
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