Sarah RIP 9-16-08 to 8-27-21

She was NOT supposed to be my dog. I need to get that out of the way first so you can understand how I am even able to do this (though not without tears). Also you need to know I love all animals, but I am more of a cat person. (I also lost my cat shortly before Sarah passed)  

Sarah came to us in a time when we already had 4 cats; 2 of them 6mo old kittens, and not a whole lot of space or money.  My husband has always wanted a pug, and the neighbor in front of us had just got a pug puppy from a breeder who was leaving the business due to hard times (2008) and was giving them away (vetting for good homes of course).

We didn't have the money for the gas, but the neighbor still was gracious to us and would take us to go get one, if we wanted. Hubby wanted. I didn't want another chore; walking and potty training and all that, in the middle of the hardest struggle of my adult life with DSS. But Hubby agreed HE would be responsible, it would be his puppy, he would feed, clean, water, play with and potty train, etc. Against what I thought was better judgement, I reluctantly agreed, knowing it might be a way to better learn more responsibility - for both of us. 

Ultimately I knew the PTSD would be helped by having a pet, and I was right. Over the years I did end up helping to take care of Sarah, especially when hubby was over tired from working 2 jobs, and the depression from losing the battle with DSS sometimes overwhelmed us. I grew to love her, though she always remained Hubby's Puppy. She greeted him with love when he came home, and was always a good Dog. 

She went with us camping, and obediently sat on her bed in the back seat for all of our car rides, whether to the dog park, Petsmart, a day trip to the people park and hikes, or a 3.5 hr ride to her last camping trip spot. Though it was a 2hr trip She always greeted Dad in Law (hubby's dad) with excitement and joy. (I think she knew he would sneak her treets when he thought I wasn't looking) He always advocated for her getting more treats as she was always fit, and not a lazy fat pug like a lot of pugs get.

Her very last trip; a camping weekend for our 18 yr wedding anniversary (4 days later); was the longest car ride yet at 3.5 hrs with only a short break, and done without ac. (windows down and a cooler day -she did great). The next day, her last on this earth, we did a hike up to the top of Stone Mountain. She was a tough old cookie, and a trooper. She was carried most of the way, but walked with us for 20, 30, up to 50 ft at a time (after the first 200 or so). 

Many times hubby put her down, and she would walk some more, but then had to stop. I had water and food for all of us in my bag, and was also taking pictures of the wildlife along the way (bugs and plants mostly). I was tired at the top, and so laid back at the top of a huge stone, what felt like I was on one of those mountain made of stone giants in the movies belly, with all the wrinkles from water runoff. Glorious and peaceful, and I carried her out to a spot where we could be in the best view for a photo; she was very nearly asleep.

In the evening as it cooled down, after another nap together in the tent, we sat at the picnic table, she got a drink, another little snack, and laid at my feet. Hubby and I started playing a card game, and a few turns in, he noticed her whimper, and she took her last moments. Most animals want to be away from people when the time comes. She wanted to be out of the tent and with us, when I was done napping she woke and wanted to be near. 

We could have had no better example of pure love than her, and if any soul makes it to heaven, it will be hers. She deserves to be emPAWyee of the year, not just the month, but if others agree, the emPAWyee of the month sign will go on the memorial mantel with her favorite toys, and a painting I am making in her honor.