SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY DEAR FRIEND....

I had a long night last night tossing and turning thinking of my sweet Akeela being so ill. I was so happy to see her but my heart broke when I realized just how much she much have suffered out there in the dark,cold,lonely bush. My happiness quickly turned to sorrow and I knew in my heart that this would be our last night with her. I built a fire for her inside my cabin studio where she had for many days and evenings spent at my feet while I painted and created. This studio had become her home as well because as the nights grew colder, her and Storm would sleep in there safe and warm. As the fire burned and I watched her weary eyes take me in, I said a prayer of thanks. Thanks for giving me this time with her, thanks for allowing me to say good-bye, thanks for giving me closure . It was as if she stayed alive all this time in the bush trying to make it home so she could see us again one last time. Michaela and Cameron took turns going out to the cabin to spend some time with her and check in on her. She was pacing and vomitting up a frothy white substance. She could'nt keep any water in and was clearly in alot of discomfort so I put her outside, led her to her pillow in our woodshed and allowed Storm to spend the night out doors with her.

I came inside and tried to sleep whispering another little prayer, "Please God if she is suffering just take her"

When I awoke I threw on my robe and went out into the dark cold morning calling out for Storm and Akeela. Storm came out of the shed wagging his tail sleepily and I let him off his chain. I called and called for Akeela and checked her empty pillow. I began to panic and my heart started to break I knew she was gone . I took a quick look around and followed Storm over to my cabin knowing what I'd find. My dear sweet Akeela laid down by my cabin door and went to sleep.

It's so hard losing a pet but I do find some comfort in knowing that she came back to us and gave us a few more hours. She is no longer in any pain, no more horrible food allergies and she is at peace. We have been so fortunate to have had her in our family and I will miss her dearly. Every time I light a fire in my cabin I will picture her by feet sleeping while I paint.