Kyna Posted September 29, 2011 Report Share Posted September 29, 2011 Isla died just 11 days ago. It was the most difficult decision I have ever made but in my heart I know it was the right decision and that she deserved that from me. It was tragic and beautiful. She was a once in a lifetime dog. We worked in the bush together. We attended the church of agility together. We trained other dogs together. We went to Europe twice together. We rode in cars, power boats, canoes, helicopters, float planes, and trucks together. We walked together. We camped together. We hiked together. We swam together. We laughed together. We cried together. We ate together. We moved cities together. We changed jobs together. We visited the elderly together. We dumped boyfriends together. We got married together. We cared for our baby together. When she died, we were together. Almost anything I have done in the last 14 years she was with me. Right beside me. There is a void in my life that used to be filled with the softest fur. She was a huge presence. She made me be a better person. I loved her greatly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted September 29, 2011 Report Share Posted September 29, 2011 What a beautiful tribute to an amazing companion. I am sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted September 29, 2011 Report Share Posted September 29, 2011 I am so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderfully close companionship you two shared. May your many memories of Isla bring you peace, when the sorrow isn't so fresh and raw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdaniels Posted September 29, 2011 Report Share Posted September 29, 2011 My deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyTDogs Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I feel your pain & I hope that in time the pain is replaced with happy memories of the wonderful things you did together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I am sorry to hear this. The best thing I ever heard about helping a dog when the time has come is that, "You did it because you loved him/her that much." (Thanks to Debbie Crowder for putting it into words) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdoggie Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 What a beautiful tribute...I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. It really is a lovely tribute to your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I am very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeri Jessee Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I know exactly how you feel and I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Oh Kyna, I'm so sorry. May your memories of your beautiful Isla bring you happiness in the future, after your heart has had time to heal. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed Isla. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. They leave such a void, but she's truly always with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I am so sorry to hear that you lost Isla. You wrote a beautiful tribute to her and your love for her was evident. They are always in our hearts. Isla and you shared a wonderful bond that will never be forgotten. Run free, Isla. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryP Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Wow, that was one of the most beautiful tributes I've read. You obviously had a wonderful partnership and that's the best thing anyone could ever have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody & Duchess Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 So, so sorry for your loss. May her memory bring you smiles as the days go by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyna Posted September 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Thank you everyone for your kind words. I am very happy with Isla's life and, even at peace with her death. But I do miss her. We have been talking a lot about how she was when she was younger. She just never wanted to stop. She was a beautiful old dog but I do think Border Collies, of all dogs, age gracefully - they still really want you to tell them what to do and then they do it, then there is a brief look of 'don't tell me what to do because I'll do it and it hurts' then 'tell me what to do". Whereas some other breeds will just lie there happily wagging their tails. I think it is a 'dogs mind' chapter 13 on aging that talks about the set neuropathways of an old dog. It was really interesting to see it in reality. Our 5 year old dog has changed over the last week - he stays closer, comes into our sons room during story time, even lets our son hug him. As my husband said it is the end of an era. Not yet though - there were four of us who got Border Collies around the same time (within 3 years - 5 dogs altogether) - Isla's sister is the last one living. Thanks again everyone. It really is wonderful to get such kind and warm support from all of you. I too wish you happiness in life and in memory with your respective dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc friend Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scullywags Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Thank you for sharing the joys she brought to your life how fortunate to have such a great friend for so very long no words make this pain ease just enjoy your wonderful memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyna Posted September 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2012 A very sad day a year ago. But what wonderful and happy memories. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I am blessed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyna Posted September 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Well it has been two years. When Isla died I was happy for the life she had. I still am, but I miss her. It becomes more apparent to me as time goes by that she was an incredibly special dog. In the meantime we did get another dog and it hasn't work, after a 3 week trial she is going back to the breeder, ironically today. It didn't work with us, our other dog, or our son. So we are going to give it another year and get a puppy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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