Sabrina

We hear over and over that dog is man's best friend, and until thirteen years ago I scoffed at this statement. I believed myself to be a cat girl and had been the owner of many of these four-legged companions. Sure, growing up we had dogs, but I was never as close to a dog as I was to any of the cats in my life. That was until the day Sabrina entered my life.

Sabrina was the dog that chose the kids and me the day we went to the shelter. Jet black, except for the white patch on her neck, she was just shy of a year old. Sabrina fell into our family routine easily and she was a mama's girl, following me regardless of where I walked in the house. No room was sacred and she cuddled with me during the night as I slept, ever on guard for something that might be off.

Car rides were a special treat for Sabrina, especially if it meant that there was a trip to the pet store or a stop to get a treat. She did not know what a “pup cup” was though Sabrina loved a Sonic cheeseburger. She had a real disdain for the vet, sulking long after a needed visit.

I was so happy that when my wife joined our family Sabrina warmed up quickly to her. Together we all grew, in numbers. Trust, and companionship. Over the last couple of years, as I watched the grays slowly invade her beautiful black coat Sabrina slow down, arthritis crippling her leg and spine. She moved slower and wasn't jumping as much-she slept so much more.

In July, after thirteen years of growing this beautiful relationship with her we said goodbye to our best friend Sabrina. However raw the pain of letting go was, I know that Sabrina is healthy and happy, running around freely in the animal after life and my life is so much better having been her human. --SMW