Monday, October 19, 2009

Goodbye our sweet little sister

*DawgMom here, I'm posting today instead of the Bullies. I copied & pasted this post from my blog. The Bullies will be back to posting in the next few days.*

Lounging on the couch
Tink is on the right
Bossing the dogs in the camp set-up next door


Enjoying her bed at a dog show in Chattanooga, TN

It's a very sad day at my house today. I have to help one of my beloved babies cross the Rainbow Bridge later this afternoon. I hate it! I know it's best, but I hate it! Oh, how I wish our 4-legged babies could be with us longer.
Tink is our 14 year old Miniature Dachshund that I rescued 9 years ago from a horrible lady that had her only for making money. She is one of the sweetest, most patient, loving little rescues I have ever had. She is very easy going, wants to please and for a baby that lived such a horrible life before I saved her, she gets along well with the rest of my menagerie. She's very sociable and yet, in typical Dachshund style, could be stand-offish at times. She is very protective of her pack, especially me. She was a wonderful companion to my son while he still lived at home, loved him dearly and would *protect* him from any number of *boogey men* that might come into his room at night.
The first 5 years of her little life was spent in a dirty crate, pregnant most of the time. She had 6 litters of puppies by the time she was 5 years old! SIX!!! That means she was bred every time she came into season, starting with her very first one! She came from a horrible woman who is now sitting in jail, thank goodness, after being convicted of animal abuse! HURRAY!
I got Tink a few years before her POS ovwner was arrested. At the time, I was grooming at one of the local veterinarian's clinic and the POS that owned her had brought her in to be euthanized. Her reason? (and I quote) "the bitch only gave me one puppy last time, I can't make money that way" So rather than do what a responsible breeder would do, place her in a loving home, she didn't want to be bothered and wanted to euthanize her instead. I asked her if I could take her and find her a good home. She told me I could *have* her for $150, otherwise, put her to sleep. Well, I wasn't about to give this POS any money for her, so I left the room. I was so mad, but what was I going to do? Anyway, the vet came out and asked me if I really wanted to try placing this little girl and of course I said I would. The vet then went back to the room, told the lady (I use that term loosely) we didn't have time to euthanize her right this minute, but if she would sign the release form and leave her with us, we would euthanize her that afternoon. POS said fine, signed the form and left. The vet then brought little Tink to me and said, "Here, take her and find her a forever home."
I brought her home and began working on her evaluation and getting her adjusted to living a *normal* dog's life. She had obviously rarely been out of that crate. She was terrified outside and would stand there so stiff I thought she would break. She didn't want to stay on the couch, or in a dog bed, or walk around on the carpet or hang out with the other dogs. All she wanted to do was go back to her crate. I had to keep the door to the crate closed just to keep her from going inside. She would sit there, by the door, waiting for me to open it back up. She had no idea how to potty anywhere besides her crate. She was afraid to eat anywhere except in her crate! In other words, her world consisted of her crate. It took me nearly a year to get her housebroken and acting like a normal dog and of course by then, I was so attached there was no way I was placing her. She stayed with me from then on. That was 9 years ago.
I vowed she would live a happy life if I could give it to her and she would not end her life in pain or suffering. She had enough of that in the first 5 years to last 2 lifetimes. So, the time has come for me to honor that vow and keep that promise I made to her all those years ago and let her cross over. She has been a wonderful companion and has brought me and my family joy ten-fold and I thank the Lord above for allowing me to take this little Princess home with me that day 9 years ago.
Goodbye my sweet girl. Thank you for your years of love and faithfulness and companionship. Go play with your old buddies, Pixie, Blarney and Marilyn. Be sure to kiss your *Nanny* for me and tell her I love her. (*to my wonderful Mother: Please take care of her for me until I get there Mom)








58 comments:

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but thank you for telling her story. We'll light a candle to help her on her way.

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Family

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a fitting tribute to a furry special khanine -

Too many of us here in The Blogosphere have furiends like Tink -

Thanks to special hearts like yours, they do get to find love and safety for some of their lives -

She's got a special spot awaiting her akhross The Rainbow Bridge - and I'm sure she'll tell all those that welkhome her how special YOU are!

We've been thinking of you today after seeing this news on FB last night -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Woodrow, Luna, MJ Campanella said...

MY thought and prayers are with you during this incredible hard time - I sit here at work balling - thank dog my office has a door

We will light a candle for her safe passage

Love
Deb, Woodrow, Sweetie & MJ

The Army of Four said...

We are so terribly sorry for your loss!
Love,
Ammy

Martine said...

Angie,

Thank you for sharing Tink's story. I know today is a difficult day, my thoughts are with you.

xo martine

Mari said...

Oh Angie - I'm sorry for this loss. Think of the happiness you gave to this little dog. She was able to enjoy those years with you.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Angie,

Our Mom is leaking. We so hate to hear that any doggie is mistreated, especially by being crated and bred too often. It's just sickening. We are so glad that you were there to intervene on Tink's behalf when that monster brought her to the vet. And your vet was very wise.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve for your baby.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We were so saddened to read your post and can feel the depth of your pain at saying goodbye to your sweet friend. But you have given her so much love and we all know there is no greater gift. She had a sad start in life but has lived to the full thanks to you for the last 9 years. Her spirit will always be with you.

Gentle woofs, purrs and hugs,
Tom, Tama-Chan, Sei-Chan, Yuu-Chan and #1

Asta said...

I'm so vewy sad to wead that you had to help Tink cwoss the bwidge.
It's the last act of love you awe showing hew befowe you can all meet again.
You obviously gave hew many yeaws of love and comfowt and happiess.
She will wun like a young giwl again and be wif youw loved ones till you can weoonite.
Pleez wemembew all the good and twy not to be sad fow too long
smoochie healing kisses fow youw heawt
love
Asta and Mommi

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry...

Dexter said...

Our eyes are leaking now. How lucky you were to have found each other. Your patience was rewarded tenfold. Sometimes it is hard to be the human, but Tink knows she can trust you. We will be thinking of you and of little Tink running free with all her pals.

Mango, Dexter, and Mango Momma

Astrid Keel said...

Angie, we're so sorry to hear about dear Tink. Our hears go out to you - Tink was beautiful and you gave her a wonderful life. May she run free on Rainbow Bridge.

Mason Dixie said...

So sorry to here about Tink, I love a little wiener dog, and I am glad the vet did what he did to get you Tink. You gave her the best home ever.

Two French Bulldogs said...

We are very sorry for your loss
Benny & Lily

Bijou said...

We are so very sorry to hear of Tink's passing. Your tender loving care no doubt made it possible for her to recover from the horrible life she had before.

RIP Tink

Bijou, Banjo and Mom

Sally Ann and Andy said...

What a wonderful tribute.
Sally Ann

Princess Eva and Brice said...

Tink may have had a very rough start but we know that she found the right home with you and was well-loved!

We lit a candle earlier tonight in her honor.

Princess Eva, Brice & Momma

Sally said...

We are so sorry to hear about poor little Tink. Our thoughts and prayers are with you -

Hugs Sally and Paddy and D

sprinkles said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I thought about you all day today and my eyes kept tearing up.

This is a beautiful tribute!

Anonymous said...

Im sooo sorry to hear this. You are giving her the last most beautiful gift! Thank you for saving her and giving her such a wonderful life. She will be well received at the rainbow bridge!

Candle lit and prayers on the way.
Hugs!

The Devil Dog said...

We are so sorry to hear about your beloved Tink. We are sure that she was very happy and well loved with you, in her forever home.
Please accept our condolences and thoughts in this time of sorrow.

Roxy, Lucky & Mom

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

We're so sorry to read about your loss of Tink.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Randi said...

Oh, Rest well at Rainbow Bridge, Little Tink...you have certainly earned your Angel Wings...& your mama back here on earth will love you forever & ever until she can hold you in her arms again...We are sending lots of love & licks & healing vibes to your family who will miss you always...

Love & Licks,
Randi

Abby said...

We were just visiting Mango & read about sweet little Tink...

Although we never met Tink, we wanted to stop by & say how sorry we are for your loss...

Thank You for sharing Tink's story it truly touched our hearts...

Abby & her Mom xxxxxxoooooo

MurphyDog said...

I'm so sorry it is such a sad day at your house. It sounds like you gave Tink an absolutely wonderful life after you rescued her from that evil woman. Thank goodness the vet you worked for helped you with that rescue.

RIP beautiful Tink.

Murphydog's Mom

doyle and mollie said...

we are furry sorry too

Oskar said...

My name is Oskar & my mom person is crying real tears. I'm so thankful that little Tink got to live with you.

We are praying for you heart to heal and only remember good memories of beautiful Tink.

Love & Snuggles,

Oskar

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so glad that you and Tink found each other and we are so very sorry for your loss.

Love ya lots,
Maggie, Mitch and Sue

Golden Samantha said...

What a lovely tribute to a wonderful dog. I leak when I read about such amazing rescues and then... sadly, helping our beloved four legged best friends cross when it's time. Thank you for telling this beautiful story. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Tink.
Hugs xo Sammie, Miche and Bill

Stella said...

Rest in Peace, Tink! I am happy to hear you helped your little girl on her way to the Bridge. She will be waiting for you!

Kisses,
Stella

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so very sad to hear about Tink but at the same time we understand. You have given Tink a wonderful life and now you are giving her the freedom she needs. God bless you for taking Tink and giving her a second chance on a wonderful life.

Hugs, the OP Pack

TwoSpecialWires said...

Oh my gosh. You moved Moma beyond tears to downright sobbing. Your story of Tink is so like our story of Fergi (she was an eight year mill breeder). We hope you can find peace and comfort in the knowledge that you brought a beautiful, loving world to Tink for the last nine years of her life. Your understanding and patience is a gift that she would never have known if it weren't for you. We trust that her love of you and the relationship she shared with you gave her a sense of peacefulness and calm, and she was able to leave you with nothing but the good memories of the life that you provided for her. (Moma can't even type this without sobbing, because it is so much what she wants to believe for Fergi, when her day will come.) It makes us so angry to realize that any of God's little creatures should have to endure what some do, but we are ever so grateful for the second chance that some are given. Thank you for providing that for Tink, and know that she runs free of all the misery and pain and neglect and abuse - and will be forever a healed dog because of you. We are so sorry for you loss. Thank you for being her angel. She is in the company of more angels now, waiting for you. And sending her own thanks and messages of love through the breezes. Listen and feel for them.

Love,
Jake, Fergi, MomaSally and our Girl

Hoover said...

Tink may have had a ruff start but she knew she was loved when she was with you. You gave her the best times of her life.

You are good humans.

My heart hurts for you.

Hoover BPD

River said...

We are so sorry to hear that it was time for Tink to leave you. It is the hardest part--doing the kindest thing. We are thinking of you and sending beagle hugs. Tink will get to meet all our Bridge beagles.

love & wags,
River, mom & crew

Lorenza said...

You and Tink are in our thoughts.
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

So sorry to hear about Tink. I found your blog through Mango's. That is such a beautiful story about how you found Tink...run free, Tink. You will be missed dearly..


Scottie

koko said...

Sorry to hear about your loss... thank you for sharing the story with us but I'm sure you had given Tink a good life. Now she is running free and smiling down at you and want you to know she is happy.

Licks, hero

Tucker said...

I came over from Mango's blog to say I'm sorry for your loss. I'm so glad that Tink was saved from such an evil hooman. Thank you for giving really good years!

woof - Tucker

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Tink has spent part 2 of her life surrounded by angels...she surely will spend her time at the Bridge frolicing with them!

You explained her life and your love for her and hers for you so beautifully...her release from pain and the infirmities of old age are your gift to her....

We will keep you and Tink in our thoughts and prayers...you're not alone...you have the entire blogosphere walking with you for comfort!!!

Love and kisses, and terrier barks...

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanley and their Mumsie

Scout and Freyja said...

It's a miserable time when we have to say good-bye to a life that is so much shorter than ours. I've been in your shoes and will be again over and over because I can't live without animals in my home and life.

I am so very sorry for your loss. When we get a good dog the worst part is letting that good dog end its own circle of life. I wish I had words to heal your heart but I know that there aren't any.

The Oceanside Animals said...

Sorry to hear about Tink. You did a very good thing rescuing her and giving her a loving home for those years.

Sierra Rose said...

What a story! So sweet that you were able to rescue Tink and provide such a wonderful home.
Rest in peace little Tink. Your spirit lives on.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose and her mom

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

So sorry for your loss. It is so wonderful that you were able to offer Tink a happy life full of love. Sending lots of hugs and kisses your way.
xo

Clive said...

We were so sorry to read about Tink. But you gave her such a good life after all she had suffered. As our not-so-little man would say, 'she's one definite angel in heaven now'.

take care
Clive and family

Catty Wampus said...

I am so sorry about your baby. She sure had a great life after you rescued her from that awful woman! I know how hard it is; I lost one of my bully babies in June and it still hurts. Please know our hearts are with you; perhaps Tink will be met by my Niles and they will play together while they wait for us. All our love; Merrie,Murphy,Zoey and the Piz; as well as Niles in Heaven.

Joe Stains said...

Oh we are so very sorry to hear this and we know we are late but we are sending lots of hugs to you.

Morgan in Pittsburgh said...

We are very sorry for your loss.
We are happy that you were able to rescue her and give her such a good home.
Morgan, Maisie and Mum

Draco and his Mom said...

We came here via another blog and were saddened by your entry. We don't know you yet but I am certain you gave Tink the very best life ever...her pictures show a content happy dog. I have a tremendous lump in my stomach because I realize all of us will have to do the same thing you are doing now...thank you so much for honoring your Tink.
Debra

bbes tribe said...

Very sorry to hear about Tink. She had a wonderful life after you and the vet saved her. It hurts & is so hard ot let go sometimes because they are family to us. The story about a Dog's Purpose from a 6 year old, is very good. Maybe that IS why they have shorter lives than we do. Hard but much kinder to let go sometimes.
Love
Ernie & Sasha

Jill said...

We are very sorry for your loss of little Tink.

Jill and Zippy

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I am so sorry that you are sad. Tink was very lucky that you took her in. You gave her a long life before her time to cross the Rainbow Bridge truly came.

Rachel said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your family's loss. I understand what you are going through having to put her down, it is the most awful and most loving decision we as dog lovers have to make. Prayers and love your way.

Daisy Dog said...

OMG! You are an angel for taking her. I am sorry for your loss. She is at the rainbow bridge, flying high and happy. Big hugss!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I know your heart is breaking,
there is no other way to feel.
You provided Tink the love,
You provided Tink a home,
You gave Tink a chance.
You became her angel, and
you did all that you could do.
And then you saw her journey ending,,,,
You loved her to the end,
Yes, she knew you loved her,
Yes she really, really knew.
The only gift you could now give her was freedom from pain
I know your heart is breaking.
You did the right thing, you were the angel that walked with Tink.
I am so sorry for your loss.
love
tweedles

Ice Pony Girl said...

how sad!

Pedro said...

That was such a beautiful story - thank you so much for sharing it. I know this had to be so hard for you but you honored Tink by giving her a beautiful life and helping her in the end. Our thoughts are with you!

Pedro & my Mom

The Luke said...

What a wonderful story of love... I am so very sorry this time has come, but so thankful you found each other. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

With much love from the Luke's Mom... Luke and Bleu, too.

Jake of Florida said...

We're so late coming to this post -- but after reading it through our mom's teary eyes, we had to send you our best wirey hugs and warm thoughts.

We picture Tink over the bridge with so many of our other pals -- spreading the word that there are a few good humans back on earth after all.

Wirey woofs,

Jake and Just Harry