If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sad trip down memory lane...

I will admit we have had our fair share of bum health lately, but part of our lack of "Joie de vivre" the last couple months has been that we have been caring for our ailing miss Sage as she fought to survive with congestive heart failure.  We have been nervous about traveling or going too far to run or ride because we felt we could not burden our awesome pet sitting neighbor with the laborious task of multiple meds daily and Sage just not wanting to eat any more.  We knew when we left Santa Fe in May that we would not make another trip with her and it was very sad for us to come to that realization.  Miss Sage was ALWAYS happy, always a "silly heart" (for those who fondly remember Uncle Buck), and always had a photogenic smile.  We adopted Sage almost 11 years ago after she had been a champion show dog.  She couldn't be used for breeding because of a conformation flaw, and so we began our wonderful journey with her.  We had to teach her to be a "dog" and just have fun.  We're biased, of course, but we feel she ended up with a full and happy life following us on our journeys and outdoor adventures!

This morning we ran early before Kathleen went to work and upon our return, Sage greeted us at the door with her big smile and vigorously wagging stub tail, as always.  Two short hours later, I heard a thud upstairs and to my dismay, she was gone before I made it to her.  Those of you who are pet lovers know that we have been dreading for months the prospect that we would have make "that" decision - to put Sage to sleep.  Although we were blessed that she went quickly and without suffering, it did not ease the pain in our hearts.  Without ever having kids, our pets have always been our "children" and this was a great loss.  We bawled like babies while I made her final resting spot in the opposite corner of the yard from our little Barney that we lost 7 years ago.  If you don't want to be sad, check in tomorrow night and we'll probably have some photos from a memorial run to relive in our minds fond memories of our girl.  For now, we are in seclusion, watching live updates at Western States 100, and drowning our sorrows with Breyers Ice Cream, Nutella, espresso, and Dark Chocolate Reese's cups.
Palmer Lake Reservoirs
Palmer Lake Reservoirs
Monarch Lake - near Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park
Halfway up Blodgett Peak on "Lunch Rock"
Winter Park
Winter Park - Ice Hill Trail
Fraser, Colorado - Givelo Trail
In front of our garden - Monday this week
Drowning our sorrows...

A few Pics from the morning run at Ute Valley Park - 9 miles - just so we don't end on a bummer note...



Happy Trails -- tomorrow...

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! She couldn't ask for anyone better than you guys to take care of her!

Alyssa said...

Steve & Kathleen: I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is losing a family member; please take time to grieve the loss of your loved one. Sage had a beautiful & wonderful life -- you are all so blessed to have found each another. For as much as you miss Sage, rest assured that she misses you, too. Her smile will not be forgotten.

Take care.
A

Ace said...

So very sad! I'm sorry to hear of this loss of a treasured member of your family. Its nice to see and hear about the wonderful times you had together.

Iris said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Sage. What a beautiful smiling member of the family. My thoughts are with you both.

Jill said...

K and S, I am soooo very sorry for your loss. I know she was a big part of the family and will be truly missed! You gave her such a happy life but taking her to all your amazing trips and giving her lots of love at home. She's smiling big in dog heaven right now; no dog has had a happier life! And I'm sure she's smiling at the way you're drowning your sorrows, dogs like ice cream and chocolate!! :)

HUGS!!!

Anonymous said...

You know how I feel. Pippit is sad too. I'm grateful that I got to meet, pet, and say nice things to Sage that day we ran a few weeks ago and she greeted us at the door even though she was having a bad day, what a sweet puppy. I'm very sorry.

*I like how the nutella jar is scraped clean*

T Z said...

We too are saddened to know you lost your girl. Our God loves us and I know He also loves dogs as we do. I absolutely believe there is a provision in heaven for our dogs to be with us. You are in our thoughts.
Ken and Dana

Jennifer said...

I was crying reading your post. My dog children mean tons to me and I have gone through your same heartbreak multiple times myself. You'll all go running again!

Glenn Jones said...

So sorry for your loss. It's really tough to lose a long time pal - especially the canine type who knows nothing but loyalty.

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

So sorry about the sad news. We just lost our LA cat (Tiger) recently, in the same week that Chad lost his job. We don't have children either so I totally get the pet thing. Great memories for sure.

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear about the sad loss of your lovely Sage. I had a dog growing up and when we lost him I was absolutely devastated! You have so many wonderful pictures of her and fond memories:) I am thinking of you. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Steve, check out the web site burningriver100.org and check out the maps. The race is a point to point.

Anonymous said...

Yes.. dogs are like children, and they love so unconditionally, as we do them. Your loss is very sad, and I am very sorry. She had a wonderful life, and was very happy, and now she is at rest.... peace..

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Such a pretty dog! I love those dogs that are always happy, tail always wagging. We lost one dog to cancer a few years ago - it's hard, I know.

Since you mentioned it...Yes, M&M's would be great in PB cookies. I did use pink M&M's in choc.chip cookies last Valentine's day - good!

funderson said...

I'm sorry for your loss, but jealous of the "thump". I had to make the BIG DECISION about our Red Merle Aussie in April and it blew. Losing your baby blows no matter how it comes though...so sorry..

ajh said...

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. Losing a pet is like losing a family member! A dog is such a good friend and so appreciative of all that is done for it and with it. She must have loved being part of your family.

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