Monday, October 22, 2012

Good Bye, Shachah

 
Shachah's health has been failing for several weeks.  We consulted his vet several times and it was decided that pain management was the most that could be done for him.  A good day here and there kept our hopes up.  But over time, we had to add more pain medications just to keep him comfortable and mobile.  He started eating less and less until all he consumed was a little raw ground lamb covering his meds.
 
 
Saturday night he refused his food and we could not get his pain meds into him.  He would not even lap at a raw egg for me yesterday.  And he was in so much pain he just whined and whined no matter what position he was in.  He could not stand without his hips and back legs trembling.  And he would not let us touch him on the back anymore.
 
 
So I put him down this morning.  Though it pained hiim to do so, he willingly walked up the plywood ramp into the van and rode peacefully into the vet's office.  He was so calm.  I was a teary mess.
 
 
Shachah never once failed in his duties.  He was always gentle with other animals, people and children.  We witnessed him confronting bears and wolves with absolute bravery and confidence.   He patrolled his territory like an old soldier.  We had the utmost faith in his abilities to keep our farm and livestock safe.
 
 
Shachah was an amazing guardian.  I can not do him justice with words.
Hopefully these photos display his great sense of purpose and self.
Thank you, Becky, for sharing him with us.
Thank you, Shachah, for everything....
 
You are going to be greatly missed, Big Guy.


9 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh Sabrina, another loss in my circle of friends. I am so sad . . . a teary mess here, too.

Spinners End Farm said...

Sorry for your loss Sabrina. Shachah was so dearly loved by your family and I'm sure he knew it.

Kelly said...

Reminds me of when I had to make that same decision for our Annie last year and brought tears to my eyes as soon as I opened it. My heart is breaking for you Sabrina, they aren't just guardians of our flocks, but are woven into our lives completely and willingly.
Blessings and hugs.

Becky Utecht said...

Shachah was indeed a great spirit and had such a big presence in so many lives. He was independent and wise. He always knew where he belonged. In his younger days, he even chose to live with a family other than his owners. It was clear to me that they loved him and wanted only the best for him. It was my privilege to give him a home when they had to move out of state. It didn't take too long for him to completely win over Stan and I. But I wanted him to have the best in life and I knew you could offer him the environment that would suit him the best. I'm glad he did a good job guarding your farm. I can relate to the deep sense of loss you must be feeling now that he's gone. I felt so empty when he left here, I can still see the look in his eyes as we loaded him into your vehicle. But I knew in my heart that what I did was best for him. I hope you will find comfort in knowing that you did what was best for him too. Hugs to you and your family. RIP in peace Shachah, good old boy.

Cynthia said...

My heart goes out to you Sabrina. We buried our 12 year old Pyr last week and I still cannot quite find my focus. They are something beyond "dog" and touch places in our souls that few other beings do. I will miss reading about Shachah's adventures.

Tammy said...

I'm so sorry Sabrina. It's never easy. What a great dog.

Tammy

Sabrina Wille Erickson said...

Thank you for the condolences, everyone. I know you have all experienced loss like this yourselves.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Oh no. {{{hug}}}

Gail V said...

oh, so sorry Sabrina. We put our little dog down a few weeks ago. Many tears at that vet's office, even if my little dog was not a perfect companion.