Saying Goodbye To A Faithful Friend and Furbaby

A funny looking dog–like one of those in Lady and the Tramp–Mia was up for adoption for weeks (maybe longer) before daughter Elise and I came across her. She’d been left tied up in an abandoned house, so was traumatized from abuse, but very sweet. The workers at the animal shelter liked her so much they’d decided to keep her until she found a loving home. Meanwhile, the debate ensued as to what breeds made up her parentage–Welsh Corgi/ fox terrier/ African Basenji. mix, maybe. We were told she was likely mute, but might someday yodel (the Basenji part). Mia wasn’t in the least mute and never yodeled, just needed reassurance, and remained on the nervous side. I could identify. Years later, when I brought home our little pom-poo, Sadie, Mia mothered her (also several kittens) and the two have been extremely close. Although Sadie was the dominant one. Mia never understand she was far bigger, so Sadie bossed her around.

When we got Mia, the shelter guessed she was 3-4 years old, and that was over 12 years ago. This fall, (past year, really) it became increasingly evident she was declining. She still enjoyed ambling about the farm with our lab-mix rescues,, Lance and Luca, but she increasingly snoozed inside on her favorite blanket. Then she began to limp, and that got worse. Before Christmas, we discovered the place on her abdomen we’d hoped was a cyst had morphed into a tumor the size of an orange. Pressure on a nerve caused the worsening limp. She wasn’t gonna get better. Before she grew unbearably debilitated and in pain, we made the decision to let her go. With the help of our kind farm vet, we gently put Mia to sleep in our home today, and didn’t traumatize her by taking her to the animal clinic which she hated.

Sadie was quite upset during the goodbye process, but as Mia grew still, she calmed after I told her ‘Mia nighty night.’ Lance and Luca saw Mia borne to the grave dug in one of my flower beds, and understand she isn’t coming back. Animals have a way of knowing. Small people came this afternoon to ask about Mia. Everyone is sad. She was a good dog. Sadie will really miss her. She’s snuggled on the couch with me. I let her have her favorite blanket, which is also mine.

“Dogs have given us their absolute all.  We are the center of their universe.  We are the focus of their love and faith and trust.  They serve us in return for scraps.  It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”  ~Roger Caras

My favorite pic of Mia, taken years ago. All images are from her younger days.

“Dogs’ lives are too short.  Their only fault, really.”  ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive.” ~Gilda Radner

*Image of Sadie and grandbaby taken a few years ago.