Sandy came to me as a foster dog when I was stationed in Georgia. She was pregnant, heartworm +++ and had vaginal and respiratory infections. Someone left her tied to a vet's office doorknob. I was told "not to get attached" because "our goal is to save the pups, we don't expect momma to make it." Hmph! Among other things, Sandy would not eat. After trying several brands of food...the vet said to feed her ground beef with rice. I did...she ate!! I was curious and started reading...the more I read the more I was interested in feeding her home cooked/ raw foods. Out of her 11 puppies, initially only 3 lived. After having Sandy for 4 months her 2 remaining healthy pups were adopted. She was well enough that everyone was on board with treating for her ailments. At 7 months her coat had grown in and was full and soft. The black discoloration on her belly, along with her infections went away. So with a clean bill of health, she too was ready to be adopted... I was the lucky new pet parent!We enjoyed many years together in wellness until…
She was in an accident in 2005 and her knee and hips were damaged. Her bladder ruptured three days after the accident. She received so much bodywork and energy work. It was amazing. Our community participated in her healing. Interestingly enough, about a month before the accident a strange plant grew in the garden. I hadn't planted it. I asked a friend of mine to help me identify this volunteer. It was comfrey. After Sandy's accident, I read up on comfrey (as my friend told me volunteers show up for a reason). Turns out...comfrey is great for healing bone and joints. WOW! That was the beginning of my studies in herbs for pets. I was a comfrey oil and salve making fool. Sandy (unable to walk) was toted about town in a yellow wheel barrow. We even took her (in an autumn gold chariot) to the local belly dance festival that summer. When her 3 month check up came the vets were surprised at how far she'd come....she was walking! At six months I took her to visit the pet rehab facility (that I couldn't afford at the time of the accident along with the multiple surgeries she would need). The people at this facility claimed their aqua therapy was the only way Sandy would walk again. Of course when they saw her, they couldn't believe their eyes. We left, thankful for how our community rallied for Sandy. And at how love and determination can win over many obstacles.
What touches me most about Sandy is that she has a heart of gold! The day of her accident (deep in my heart) I felt like she was going to be okay. However, on the day we rushed her to the vet who would perform emergency surgery for the ruptured bladder Sandy was crying out in pain, I was scared and not so sure how she'd fare. I told her if she couldn't hang in there...I'd understand...and it was OK to do what was best for her. When she got quiet I cried (thinking she was fading)....she looked up at me and stretched out her paw. It landed right over my heart. I cried more.
I expected the surgery to last 1-2 hours. When the vet came out in 20 minutes I was sure he was going to say that she'd died. She didn't... he was done! And she was fine! When they wheeled her out moments later...she was wagging her tail like nobody's business and making the sound she makes when she wants a treat!
Nowadays she goes swimming, camping and on leisurely walks. She is the dog that is the mediator/ ice breaker when I visit sick dogs and/or people. She is the dog people who "don't like dogs" LOVE. Sandy inspires my studies and lifestyle regarding the beautifully interactive and healing practices of holistic wellness. Which is truly a gift!
What touches me most about Sandy is that she has a heart of gold! The day of her accident (deep in my heart) I felt like she was going to be okay. However, on the day we rushed her to the vet who would perform emergency surgery for the ruptured bladder Sandy was crying out in pain, I was scared and not so sure how she'd fare. I told her if she couldn't hang in there...I'd understand...and it was OK to do what was best for her. When she got quiet I cried (thinking she was fading)....she looked up at me and stretched out her paw. It landed right over my heart. I cried more.
I expected the surgery to last 1-2 hours. When the vet came out in 20 minutes I was sure he was going to say that she'd died. She didn't... he was done! And she was fine! When they wheeled her out moments later...she was wagging her tail like nobody's business and making the sound she makes when she wants a treat!
Nowadays she goes swimming, camping and on leisurely walks. She is the dog that is the mediator/ ice breaker when I visit sick dogs and/or people. She is the dog people who "don't like dogs" LOVE. Sandy inspires my studies and lifestyle regarding the beautifully interactive and healing practices of holistic wellness. Which is truly a gift!
******* November 26, 2012 *******
🌈 Tonight Sandy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 16 & 1/2. Her passing was sudden yet peaceful. While sleeping in one of her favorite spots, she let out a big exhale and that was it. I am thankful for the 14+ years we had together. To this day, I still marvel at how the dog that “wasn’t going to make it” lived well beyond the natural 10-12 year lifespan of a golden. I am happy that our paths crossed and that we had each other for as long as we did. 🤲🏾 📿🐾💞♾
